Archbishop Elpidophoros: Law 3894 violates the rights of millions of UOC believers

Head of the Greek Archdiocese of America Archbishop Elpidophoros. Photo: wikipedia

The head of the Archdiocese of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the USA, Archbishop Elpidophoros, commenting on the meeting of Orthodox Christians with legislators in the USA in Washington, reminded of his position regarding the Ukrainian anti-church law 3894, reports the UOJ in America.

Archbishop Elpidophoros drew attention to the statement adopted by all members of the annual meeting of the Assembly of Bishops on September 15, 2024, in the USA regarding the Ukrainian law No. 3894. 

"In the interests of religious freedom and the rule of law, we pray that Ukrainian law No. 3894 is not used to persecute any religious group within Ukraine, which would threaten the religious liberty of millions of its citizens," he quoted the document, adding that his position on this issue remains unchanged. The statement also called for an end to hostilities and peaceful resolution to the war, as well as the return of all captives.

He also added that the statement says: "The Assembly of Bishops prays for a peaceful resolution of this aggression, which will ensure the observance of civil rights and human rights of all Ukrainians."

As the UOJ wrote, Archbishop Elpidophoros condemned the slander against the bishops of the USA defending the UOC.

Read also

OCU thanks Novovolynsk mayor for transporting people to Dumenko's "service"

Supporters of the OCU sent gratitude to Mayor Borys Karpus for providing transportation to the Holy Dormition Cathedral in Volodymyr.

Khmelnytskyi Eparchy comments on seizure in Kuzmyn

The seizure of the UOC church in Kuzmyn was based on forged documents about changing jurisdiction to the OCU.

Restoration of St Florus Convent: Former KCSA official reported suspicion

A former deputy general director of the Kyiv Scientific and Methodological Center for the Protection and Restoration of Monuments is suspected of embezzling 660 thousand hryvnias of budget funds.

Meeting of UOC Synodal Commission on canonization held in Kyiv

A meeting of the Synodal Commission of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, dedicated to the consideration of issues related to canonization, was held at the Presentation (Vvedensky) Monastery in Kyiv.

Archaeologists uncover 4th-century Christian church complex near Rome

In the ancient port city of Ostia near Rome, archaeologists have uncovered a large early Christian complex with a church and bishop's palace dating back to the 4th century.

Vance praises Georgian patriarch's work

The U.S. vice president spoke positively about the role of the primate of the Georgian Church in preserving Christian values in the country.