German journalist: Situation with UOC threatens future of all Christianity
Gregor Fernbach. Screenshot from the YouTube video “Edition Hagia Sophia Introduces Itself”
The persecution of Christians – especially in Ukraine – evokes memories of the godless regimes of the Soviet era and offers a glimpse into a future where practicing the Christian faith may no longer be taken for granted. So said Gregor Fernbach, director of the German Orthodox publishing house Edition Hagia Sophia, in an interview with the UOJ in Germany.
According to Fernbach, the persecution of Orthodox Christians around the world has reached alarming proportions and remains largely underreported in the media.
He drew particular attention to the situation in Ukraine – “a traditionally Orthodox country” – where “monasteries and churches are being closed, confiscated, or converted to another faith.”
Such developments, he stated, along with “the expulsion of priests and communities,” recall the godless regimes of the Soviet era and allow people in Germany to foresee a future in which the practice of Christianity is no longer something taken for granted.
As the UOJ previously reported, the abbot of a German monastery earlier said that the current turmoil in Orthodoxy is the work of the devil.
Read also
Church celebrates feast of Holy Foremost Apostles Peter and Paul
On July 12, the Feast of the Apostles Peter and Paul, the Apostles' Fast (Peter's Fast) comes to an end for Orthodox Christians.
UGCC cleric criticizes OCU head for awarding Greek Catholic officials
Hieromonk Yustyn Boiko of the Lviv Archeparchy called the awarding of church honors to officials a profanation and cited the example of an OCU order presented to a Greek Catholic official.
Expert who found no defamation in Dumenko’s remarks to face disciplinary action
An Interior Ministry research center has confirmed disciplinary measures against the expert whose findings supported what the Metropolitan’s representatives described as unfounded accusations by the OCU head against Metropolitan Theodosiy.
European Parliament condemns forced Islamization of children in Pakistan
The European Parliament has called on Pakistan to establish a mechanism to protect Christian families.
Church of the Presentation damaged by shelling in Russia’s Kursk Region
The newly built church in the village of Kulbaki, Glushkovo District, was completely gutted by fire after being struck by a projectile.
UOC priests take part in celebrations at Romania’s Putna Monastery
Clergy of the Chernivtsi-Bukovyna Eparchy took part in a festive service at the ancient shrine of the Romanian Orthodox Church.