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
Zelensky broke promise not to interfere in church life, protodeacon says
Before the presidential election, Volodymyr Zelensky promised equality for all confessions and non-interference by the state in Church affairs, UOC Protodeacon Vadym Novynskyi recalled.
Law banning UOC was passed under Yermak’s threats, Novynskyi says
Members of parliament were intimidated by the security services and personally by Andriy Yermak – those who refused to vote were threatened, while those who complied were promised leniency.
Greek authorities fear disruption of Holy Fire delivery from Jerusalem
Greek officials have warned of a possible disruption in the delivery of the Holy Fire amid the war in the Middle East, restrictions in Jerusalem, and security threats to the mission.
Bulgarian Patriarch venerates St Gabriel Urgebadze at Samtavro Monastery
The Primate of the Bulgarian Church venerated the relics of Saint Gabriel at Samtavro Monastery in Georgia.
OCU academy students are taught to handle firearms and UAVs
A spiritual educational institution of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine has begun teaching how to handle firearms.
In Rivne region, exhumation of Volhynian Massacre victims begins
Poland insisted on the exhumation of Poles killed during World War II by UPA fighters.