Bulgarian Patriarch informs U.S. Ambassador about persecution of the UOC
Patriarch Daniel and the U.S. Ambassador. Photo: BOC
On August 20, a meeting took place in Sofia between Patriarch Daniel of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church and Kenneth Merten, the U.S. Ambassador to Bulgaria, during which issues of religious freedom worldwide were discussed, according to the press service of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church (BOC).
During the conversation, Patriarch Daniel expressed concern about the situation of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), noting that it faces "serious factual and legal restrictions" on its activities due to discriminatory policies in Ukraine. The Patriarch emphasized that the UOC, recognized by all Local Orthodox Churches, is subjected to "restrictions on freedom of religion, forced confiscation of church property, and the promotion of hate speech."
"Patriarch Daniel stressed that the UOC, with which all Local Orthodox Churches are in Eucharistic communion, is facing serious factual and legal restrictions in its pastoral activities as a result of discriminatory policies by certain forces in Ukraine," the press service statement said.
He expressed confidence that the democratic forces of the world would take notice of these alarming trends and support freedom of religion in Ukraine.
As previously reported by the Union of Orthodox Journalists, Patriarch Daniel, in congratulating the Primate of the UOC on the anniversary of his enthronement, noted that strict adherence to canonical order is an important characteristic of His Beatitude, Primate of the brotherly Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
Read also
Vance: A broken culture tends to turn young people into androgynous idiots
U.S. Vice President stated that modern society seeks to erase differences between genders, shaping people "who think the same, talk the same, and act the same."
In Volyn, UOC priests receive gratitude from AFU for volunteering
The clergy noted that they have always been supported by parishioners and communities willing to share their last resources.
Vance: We don't worry about earthly rewards but how we're doing before God
The Vice President of America shared that he is doing his best to follow God’s will.
Vance: Death is a bad thing, but losing your soul is much more terrible
"The fundamental tenant of the Christian faith is that the Son of God became man, He died and then He raised Himself from the dead," the U.S. Vice President reminded Americans.
Expert: The demographic situation is a national catastrophe for Ukraine
Analyst Oleksii Kusch warns that the country's population is shrinking at a catastrophic rate, yet Ukrainians do not see it as a problem.
Looters rob and desecrate a UOC church in Myrnohrad, Donbas
The thieves stole bells and a chandelier after breaking down the church doors.