Metropolitan Luke: UOC bishops summoned to TCC for mobilization
Metropolitan Luke. Photo: youtube.com
Metropolitan Luke of Zaporizhzhia and Melitopol, in an interview with Oleksandr Shelest, commented on the calls for priests of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) to report to military recruitment centres under the pretext of data verification. According to him, this has caused concern in church circles, as, according to canon law, priests are not permitted to take up arms.
"Two days ago, one bishop called me; he was also summoned to the military recruitment centre under the pretext of updating his data," said the metropolitan, adding that this concerns not only regular clergy but also hierarchs. He emphasized that, according to church canons, priests are not allowed to participate in hunting, to kill animals, and, even more so, to take up arms for war. "A priest has no right to shed blood, as he offers a bloodless sacrifice to God," he added.
However, Metropolitan Luke noted that priests can assist in other ways, for example, as doctors or chaplains. Still, he pointed out the lack of an alternative service option for the clergy: "A Christian is obligated to defend their homeland, but the issue of alternative service has not been resolved."
As reported by the UOJ, Metropolitan Luke also discussed whether the UOC would go underground.
Read also
Upper Lavra court hearing postponed
The next court hearing in the Upper Lavra case has been scheduled for November 3.
UOC priest blesses ambulances at Kamianske medical center
A UOC priest in Kamianske blessed ambulances for a medical facility and wished its doctors God's help in their work.
Dumenko to German ambassador: Law targeting UOC also applies to other groups
Epifaniy Dumenko sought to defend Ukraine’s law restricting religious organizations during a meeting with the German ambassador.
Activists bused to court hearings in UOC cases, media say
A minibus has been spotted transporting protesters to and from courthouses where UOC cases are being heard.
Firefighters save historic UOC church from fire in Zakarpattia
A fire broke out at a UOC church in the Tiachiv district, damaging the altar and church furnishings.
Volyn Eparchy faithful collect six tons of aid for Sviatohirsk Lavra
Believers in Volyn collected food and warm clothing for people displaced by the war who have found shelter at Sviatohirsk Lavra.