Bulgarian publicist: Christians may have to return to the catacombs

Catacombs in Rome. Photo: guide.planetofhotels

In an interview with the Bulgarian branch of UOJ, renowned Bulgarian journalist and translator of Orthodox literature Andrey Romanov stated that the persecution of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church may be a “rehearsal for large-scale persecution of Christianity.”

In response to a question about whether current events in Ukraine represent a geopolitical conflict, Romanov emphasized that the true motive behind the persecution is not political, but spiritual.

“All persecutions of the Church – in our country, in Russia, and in Ukraine during the communist era – had a spiritual foundation. The most important motive is not political, but spiritual. This is a spiritual battle. And we know who is behind it – a dark force that hates humanity,” Romanov said.

He urged Christians not to fall into despair, reminding them that ultimate victory belongs to Christ: “Christians must not lose heart or give in to despondency. The victor is the Lord – Christ is the victor.”

Speaking about the future of Christianity in the modern world, Romanov suggested that we may be entering an era in which believers will have to retreat “to the catacombs – literally or figuratively,” and Christianity will survive “in the family, in the domestic church.”

Under these conditions, he said, the most important mission of believers is “to preserve the purity of our conscience and spirit, and to raise our children so that they inherit the Christian spirit.”

Romanov also stressed the inseparable link between Orthodoxy and national identity, noting that “faith and national heritage must not be pitted against each other,” but rather “stand together against globalism, which opposes both nations and religions.”

Earlier, the UOJ reported that, according to Bulgarian theologian Alexander Todorov, the persecution of the UOC is God’s providence meant to strengthen the faith.

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