ROCOR Council: We grieve over the fratricidal war between Christians
Liturgy of the participants in the Bishops’ Council. Photo: UOJ
The Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR) has concluded its Bishops’ Council, held from April 29 to May 5, 2026, at the Monastery of the Holy Great Martyr Elizabeth in Buchendorf, Germany. In the final epistle adopted by the Council, the hierarchs said they “grieve over the fratricidal war between Christians.” This was reported by the official ROCOR website.
The Council was held at the monastery near Munich. In the conciliar epistle, dated May 5, 2026, the archpastors stressed: “A fratricidal war, a war between those of the same faith, is the greatest of sorrows and cannot but shake every Orthodox heart.” The hierarchs called on the faithful children of the Church to intensify their prayers for peace and recalled that the Church “by Her very nature cannot call for war, but always prays for peace.”
As the UOJ reported, Bishop Irenei of London and Western Europe earlier called military action an evil that cannot be justified. ROCOR consistently maintains a position of non-interference in politics, provides humanitarian aid to refugees, and calls on the parties to the conflict to enter negotiations.
Read also
Upper Lavra court hearing postponed
The next court hearing in the Upper Lavra case has been scheduled for November 3.
UOC priest blesses ambulances at Kamianske medical center
A UOC priest in Kamianske blessed ambulances for a medical facility and wished its doctors God's help in their work.
Dumenko to German ambassador: Law targeting UOC also applies to other groups
Epifaniy Dumenko sought to defend Ukraine’s law restricting religious organizations during a meeting with the German ambassador.
Activists bused to court hearings in UOC cases, media say
A minibus has been spotted transporting protesters to and from courthouses where UOC cases are being heard.
Firefighters save historic UOC church from fire in Zakarpattia
A fire broke out at a UOC church in the Tiachiv district, damaging the altar and church furnishings.
Volyn Eparchy faithful collect six tons of aid for Sviatohirsk Lavra
Believers in Volyn collected food and warm clothing for people displaced by the war who have found shelter at Sviatohirsk Lavra.