Russian ambassador accuses Czech govt of trying to expel ROC from country
A church in the Czech Republic. Photo: CTK
Ambassador for special assignments of the Russian Foreign Ministry Gennady Askaldovich said in an interview with RIA Novosti that the Czech government is taking illegal, in the opinion of the Ambassador, actions to expel the ROC from the territory of the country. According to the diplomat, what is happening in the Czech Republic can be called “harassment” against the ROC and the Orthodox Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia.
Askaldovich highlighted the problems faced by the Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Karlovy Vary. Fr Nicholas, the rector of the church, was deprived of his Czech residence permit, which led to the suspension of the work of a number of parishes. At the same time, according to the ambassador, the Czech authorities did not present any specific grounds for this decision.
As previously reported, in August 2024, the security committee of the Upper House of the Czech Parliament called on the government to conduct an inspection of the activities of the Russian Orthodox Church and the Orthodox Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia. This is due to suspicions of expanding Russian influence through church structures.
Read also
Rada speaker discusses legalization of same-sex marriage in Rivne region
Ruslan Stefanchuk suggested that sponsors of separate bills to legalize same-sex marriage personally make their case to Ukrainians.
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.