Czech authorities intend to seize three largest churches from Church, source
The Church of St. Catherine of Alexandria, the Cathedral of Sts. Cyril and Methodius and the Annunciation Church. Photo: UOJ
The Magistrate of the capital of the Czech Republic is considering the possibility of terminating the lease of three key properties used by Orthodox communities, reports the UOJ in the Czech Republic. This concerns the Cathedral of Saints Cyril and Methodius, the Church of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos “Na Slupi”, and the Church of Saint Catherine of Alexandria in Prague.
These churches are the key shrines for Orthodox believers in the Czech capital. The Cathedral of Saints Cyril and Methodius holds special significance, as it is historically connected to the emergence of the local Orthodox Church and its martyric past.
According to the UOJ sources, one of the factors for reconsidering the lease agreements was the personality of Archbishop Michael of Prague. The hierarch serves as administrator of two of the mentioned parishes, while the Magistrate calls him a "security risk" and a "controversial figure."
The actions of city authorities indicate an attempt to pressure the Church into making personnel changes. If Archbishop Michael continues to lead these parishes, the city may completely prohibit the communities from using the buildings for worship services. This essentially creates a precedent where municipal authorities indirectly determine who exactly can serve in churches.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that Archbishop Michael of Prague was hospitalized due to diabetes complications.
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