BOC theologian: Persecution of UOC is God’s providence to strengthen faith

Assault by OCU activists on the UOC Cathedral in Cherkasy. Photo: UOJ

In an interview with the Bulgarian branch of UOJ, Bulgarian Orthodox theologian Alexander Todorov shared his thoughts on the possible spiritual reasons behind the nearly three-year-long persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC).

According to Todorov, if the majority of Ukraine’s population were truly churchgoing and seeking the Kingdom of God, “it is unlikely that we would have reached today’s level of persecution.” However, he says, modern society is drifting further from the true faith, and this paves the way for increased pressure on the Church.

“When Orthodox Christians become a shrinking minority, it is easier for the enemies of Truth – who outnumber them – to find ways to oppress them, because the very existence of Orthodox believers irritates the world,” Todorov noted, backing his point with a quote from the Gospel of John.

He offers several possible interpretations for what is happening. First, this may be part of a broader global trend of declining faith, as foretold in Scripture. Second, these trials may be permitted by God, “who allows Orthodox Christians to be persecuted by the enemies of Christ in order to save more Orthodox believers in Ukraine.”

“Perhaps Ukraine has begun drifting from Orthodoxy and leaning toward a secular worldview and secular values – placing the nation above faith, harboring hatred toward individuals or groups on ideological grounds, etc. Just as in ancient times God used suffering to bring Old Testament Israel back from idolatry to monotheism, perhaps today the Lord is using suffering to bring many of His beloved children to their senses,” Todorov said.

A third possible reason, in Todorov’s view, is that “through the persecution of the canonical UOC, many are likely not only being saved, but also receiving confessorial and martyr’s crowns” – the highest reward in the spiritual life of an Orthodox Christian.

Todorov also emphasized that the current situation reveals the true “moral face of the schismatics in Ukraine” and their complicity in persecuting the canonical Church – offering every individual a chance to show what lies in their own heart.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that, according to Todorov, those who persecute monks and "study" the relics of the Lavra are not Christians.

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