Zaporizhzhia Eparchy clergy address believers concerning Law 8371
Zaporizhzhia Diocesan Assembly. Photo: Zaporizhzhia Eparchy of the UOC
At the Protection of the Theotokos Cathedral in Zaporizhzhia, the Diocesan Assembly of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) of the Zaporizhzhia Diocese took place to discuss the law "On the Protection of the Constitutional Order in the Field of Activities of Religious Organizations", recently adopted by the Verkhovna Rada, according to the diocese's press service. The assembly, chaired by Metropolitan Luke of Zaporizhzhia and Melitopol, was attended by 216 delegates, including clergy, monastics, and laypeople.
In his report, Metropolitan Luke emphasized that despite the newly adopted law, the Church's mission remains unchanged – to lead people to God. He urged believers not to become embittered but to endure trials while maintaining love and peace: “The Church always views all earthly phenomena and processes from one perspective: whether it benefits or harms the soul of a person.”
The authors of the resolution called on believers “to firmly stand in faith and adhere to canonical tradition, to obey the Church leadership, to strengthen prayer and fasting, and to be resolute in defending their constitutional rights and freedoms,” and to protect their churches within the legal framework.
The participants of the assembly urged representatives of Local Churches “to raise their voices in defense of the UOC from religious terror and genocide, as well as from the destruction of Orthodoxy in Ukraine” and called on members of the Verkhovna Rada who did not support the law to “appeal to the Constitutional Court of Ukraine regarding the constitutionality of this law.” They also urged international human rights organizations and the global community to “pay attention to and provide a proper legal assessment of the discriminatory policies against the Ukrainian Orthodox Church”.
As reported by the UOJ, Metropolitan Luke wrote a letter to His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry regarding unity with the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU).
Read also
SBU told Phanar many UOC bishops would join OCU in 2018, report says
According to a Phanar representative’s account, Ukrainian security services told the Constantinople delegation that many UOC representatives were prepared to attend the OCU’s “Unification Council.” In the end, only two did.
Catholic cardinal visits Ukrainian POWs during trip to Russia
During three days of consultations in Moscow, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi discussed prospects for ending the war in Ukraine.
Ukrainians help restore Serbian Orthodox church in Paris
Orthodox Ukrainians have become regular parishioners of St. Sava Church in Paris and have taken part in its restoration.
Bulgarian Church clergy and laity oppose Phanar head’s visit
More than 2,000 clergy and laity have called for the Ecumenical Patriarch’s visit to be canceled, citing disagreement with his actions and concerns that the visit could legitimize schism.
Unknown intruders break down doors at two UOC churches in Sloviansk
Archbishop Paisiy said OCU activists are suspected of breaking into the churches in Sloviansk, and police have launched an investigation.
Sviatohirsk Lavra prays for murdered monk on 40th day after death
The brethren of the Sviatohirsk Lavra held a memorial service for murdered Monk Varsonofiy, calling on the faithful to pray for the newly departed monk.