President of Syria: They try to split Antioch Church by Ukraine's scenario

The President of Syria spoke about attempts to split the Antioch Church according to a scenario similar to the Ukrainian one.Syrian President Bashar al-Assad spoke about the attempts to split the Church of Antioch. Photo: 24tv.ua

The President of Syria spoke about attempts to split the Antioch Church according to a scenario similar to the Ukrainian one.Syrian President Bashar al-Assad spoke about the attempts to split the Church of Antioch. Photo: 24tv.ua

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said that they are trying to split the Antioch Orthodox Church according to the same scenario that was implemented in Ukraine, Interfax-Religion reports.

He made the corresponding statement during a meeting with deputies of the State Duma of the Russian Federation, including the President of the Interparliamentary Assembly of Orthodoxy Sergei Gavrilov.

"Assad said that the Church of Antioch will remain unified, and the leadership of Syria will support it in every possible way," Dmitry Sablin, coordinator of the group for interaction between the State Duma and the Syrian parliament, told reporters.

Bashar al-Assad expressed respect for the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill and Patriarch of Antioch and All the East John X.

The UOJ wrote that the Patriarch of Antioch spoke in favor of holding the Assembly of Orthodoxy in Damascus.

Earlier, the Serbian political expert expressed the opinion that the situation in Macedonia could unfold according to the Ukrainian scenario.

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.

Sviatohirsk Lavra prays for murdered monk on 40th day after death

The brethren of the Sviatohirsk Lavra held a memorial service for murdered Monk Varsonofiy, calling on the faithful to pray for the newly departed monk.