Bulgarian expert: Ukraine – a testing ground for global Church persecution
Bulgarian journalist and translator Andrey Romanov. Photo: UOJ
In Ukraine, technologies for judicial, legal, and media persecution of the Orthodox Church are being tested, which may later be applied on a global scale. This opinion was expressed by Bulgarian journalist and translator of Orthodox literature Andrey Romanov in an interview with the Bulgarian branch of teh UOJ, commenting on the ongoing persecution of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
“I am not a conspiracy theorist, but I suspect that this is a kind of rehearsal for something that may happen on a global scale,” Romanov noted. “Technologies for persecution – judicial, legal, and media harassment, defamation – are being tested in a certain way.”
According to the expert, explaining what is happening as Ukrainian nationalism and opposition to the so-called “Moscow Church” is only a visible reason, behind which lies something deeper and more alarming.
“Perhaps, I am wrong, but it seems to me that this is a testing of technologies that may be applied tomorrow all over the world,” the journalist emphasized.
Romanov drew attention to the spiritual nature of the persecution against the Church, noting that what is happening is not just a political act, but a spiritual struggle: “The most important motive is not political; the most important motive is spiritual. This is a spiritual struggle, and ultimately we know who stands behind this struggle against faith and against Christians.”
The expert called on Christians to be vigilant, as the processes occurring in Ukraine may be used as a model for persecution in other countries.
The full interview with Andrey Romanov will be published on the UOJ website after Bright Week.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the Metropolitan of the Bulgarian Church condemned the desecration of relics in the Lavra.
Read also
Major U.S. hospital network refuses to implement new assisted suicide law
Advocate Health Care said it would not participate in Illinois’ assisted suicide program.
OCU activists call TRC to service of persecuted UOC community in Kremenchuk
After seizing the Holy Trinity Church in Kremenchuk, Dumenko's followers attempted to disrupt the worship service of UOC believers held in the open air.
Bila Tserkva authorities attempting to seize monastery building from UOC
The Bila Tserkva City Council is attempting to reclaim the buildings of the St. Mary Magdalene Convent for communal ownership through the courts.
Egyptian police arrest Christians targeted in Muslim attacks
Copts were released once they withdrew their complaints against their assailants.
Primate of Macedonian Church congratulates Lavra's abbot on name day
Archbishop Stefan noted the zeal of the Lavra's abbot, who shares the sorrows of his flock.
Persecuted community in Stari Broskivtsi marks patronal feast in new church
The rector thanked the faithful for building a new church to replace the one that was seized.