Patriarch Bartholomew: Shooting Theotokos Icon in Switzerland is sacrilege
Sania Ameti. Photo: Catholic Arena
Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople condemned the incident in Switzerland, where in Zurich, a municipal council member shot at a copy of the icon of the Virgin Mary with the Child, reports The Orthodox Times.
During the celebration of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on September 14, 2024, in Constantinople, Bartholomew stated: "This is not a form of freedom of expression, but an open act of sacrilege and vandalism. It not only deeply offends the faith of millions of Christians around the world but also deals a significant blow to modern European culture."
He noted that in a time of desacralization and even the insult of religious symbols under the pretext of a misunderstood freedom, such actions "starkly reveal" an abuse of that very freedom. The Ecumenical Patriarchate also expressed support for the Metropolis of Switzerland "for the measured and condemnatory statement promptly issued on this matter".
As reported by the UOJ, Swiss politician Sania Ameti, co-chair of the liberal movement Operation Libero, shot at an image of the Virgin Mary with the infant Jesus.
Read also
Serbian Patriarch offers condolences over murder of Sviatohirsk Lavra monk
The head of the Serbian Orthodox Church called Sviatohirsk Lavra a refuge for the displaced and urged that the monk’s violent death not be turned into anyone’s weapon.
“Never seen before”: Israel reports record number of Hasidim in Uman
According to an Israeli police representative, 52,000 pilgrims are currently in Uman – 10,000 more than last year. The city itself has a population of about 75,000.
UOC faithful hold prayer vigil outside Lavra for more than 1,000 days
For three and a half years, Orthodox Christians have continued praying for peace and for the preservation of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.
Zelensky congratulates Jews on Rosh Hashanah
Volodymyr Zelensky wished Jews peace and the triumph of good over evil.
Kyiv Theological Academy publishes book on Orthodoxy in 17th-century Ukraine
With the blessing of the UOC Primate, the Kyiv Theological Academy and Seminary has published a textbook marking the 430th anniversary of the birth of St. Petro Mohyla.
45,000 Hasidic pilgrims arrive in Uman
Around 45,000 Hasidic pilgrims have already arrived in Ukraine for Rosh Hashanah.