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
Kosovo to enact law restricting Serbian Church, experts say
Analysts warn that the new "Law on Foreigners" in Kosovo could restrict the presence of clergy, believers' access to shrines, and increase pressure on the Serbian community.
Congress Speaker: Demand to introduce Sharia law in USA is a serious problem
The Speaker of the House of Representatives stated that there is growing concern in society about attempts to impose Islamic law, which is incompatible with the American Constitution.
UK government introduces restrictions on "anti-Muslim hostility"
UK authorities have adopted a new definition of "Islamophobia" which, according to experts, could provide Muslims with special protection and restrict freedom of speech.
Dumenko brings icon in Church Slavonic to Ministry of Health
Epifaniy presented cardiologists with an Intercession icon, with inscriptions in Church Slavonic, which his structure calls a "sign of the Moscow tradition".
ISIS supporters carries out terrorist attack at anti-Islamic protest in NY
Near the home of New York's Muslim mayor, radicals threw two makeshift bombs at protesters during an anti-Islamic rally.
Hryshchuk: If UOC hands over its church itself, angle grinders aren't needed
An OCU chaplain called on UOC believers to accept the loss of the shrine for the sake of their own "enlightenment".