Rally in support of UOC held in Georgia
Posters in defense of priests-prisoners of conscience. Photo: Izvestia
On September 1, a protest took place in the capital of Georgia against the recently adopted law in Ukraine, which effectively allows for the banning of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), reports Izvestia.
One of the participants read an appeal to Orthodox believers in Ukraine: "Dear brothers and sisters! We are addressing you from Georgia, one of the oldest Christian countries. We care about the fate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church because there is one universal Orthodox Church of Christ, in which we are all united, regardless of nationality and citizenship."
The protesters emphasized that Ukrainian Orthodox holy sites are of great significance to believers in Georgia as well. According to the participants, the law passed by the Verkhovna Rada has "unsettled" the Orthodox world, as it threatens not only Ukrainian believers but also all of Orthodoxy, including the Georgian Orthodox Church. The demonstrators stated that they consider such actions by the Ukrainian authorities to be hostile towards the entire Orthodox community.
The participants brought posters with slogans calling to protect the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra and to free prisoners of conscience in Ukraine. One of the posters depicted UOC clergy who have been subjected to legal persecution by the Ukrainian authorities.
As reported by UOJ, a similar rally in support of the UOC and Orthodox journalists was held earlier in Moldova.
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.