Phanar Metropolis bans bringing Ukrainian and Russian symbols to churches
The Pisidian Metropolis of the Constantinople Patriarchate has banned parishioners from entering churches with symbols of Ukraine and Russia, as well as other attributes with political overtones, reports the Telegram channel "Politika Strany".
A photo of the corresponding appeal was published on social networks.
As noted, the decision applies to Orthodox churches in Antalya, Alanya and Side.
The statement says: "No Russian, Ukrainian flags are blessed in the church, as well as other symbols that have a political context and are capable of sowing discord among the parishioners.”
Separately, the St. George's Ribbon is mentioned.
"Remember that we are all children of the same Heavenly Father and by our earthly deeds we should strive to get into the Kingdom of Heaven, one for all," the message added.
As earlier reported, the head of the Phanar and Pope Francis held a joint ecumenical prayer.
Read also
Head of the 'Belarusian Autocephalous Church' prayed in Pyriatyn with the OCU
Svyatoslav Login, the leader of the BAOC — unrecognized in the Orthodox world — held a 'joint prayer service' with military chaplains in Poltava Oblast.
Chief Rabbi discusses religious freedom in Ukraine with State Dept official
The participants discussed attacks on religious buildings and cases of pressure on believers.
Monastic tonsure performed in Khust Eparchy
At the diocesan metochion in the village of Synevyrska Poliana, Bishop Mark of Rakhiv performed the rite of rassophore tonsure.
OCU consecrates memorial sign to UPA commander in Volyn
In the village of Botyn, representatives of the OCU supported the state-level glorification of UPA figures by consecrating a memorial to one of its commanders.
UOC deacon dies saving drowning child in Finland
The deacon immediately rushed to help when he saw a child in danger, but was unable to reach the shore himself.
TRC abducts priest of UOC Tulchyn Eparchy
The whereabouts of the UOC archpriest detained by the recruitment officers are currently unknown.