Czech Church Synod expresses support for the UOC and Metropolitan Onuphry
The hierarchs of the Orthodox Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia. Photo: eparchiapo.sk
On September 3, 2024, the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia issued a statement in support of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) and His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry, according to the Synodal Information and Educational Department of the UOC. The reason for the statement was the adoption of law 8371 by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on August 20, 2024, aimed at restricting the activities of the UOC in the country, which provoked strong condemnation from representatives of the Orthodox Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia.
The hierarchs of the Church expressed their dismay that "a law aimed at banning the activities of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church was passed by the parliament of a democratic country, which should have been a guarantor of respect for fundamental human rights and freedoms." Quoting the Psalms, the authors of the statement recalled the persecutions that the Orthodox Church has faced throughout history, expressing confidence that God will not abandon His people without help.
The Synod's statement reads: "We express our support for His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry of Kyiv and All Ukraine, as well as for the entire Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The Apostle Paul says: 'If one member suffers, all the members suffer with it' (1 Corinthians 12:26). We remember these words and pray for God's help and the salvation of all those persecuted and suffering."
The clergy also called for continued prayers for peace in Ukraine, noting that respect for human rights and freedoms is important not only for one country but for the entire global community. The statement also recalled that similar positions have been expressed by other Orthodox Churches, as well as by Pope Francis and the World Council of Churches.
As previously reported by UOJ, congratulating the Primate of the UOC on his name day, His Beatitude Metropolitan Rostislav stated that Metropolitan Onuphry exemplifies a truly Christian attitude towards "the sea of life, stirred by the storm of tribulations".
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