Zaporizhzhia Eparchy responds to DESS's statement on alleged ties with ROC

Metropolitan Luke (Kovalenko). Photo: the UOC hierarch's Telegram channel

Metropolitan Luke of Zaporizhzhia and Melitopol called on the clergy and flock to intensify their prayers in connection with the inspection of the Zaporizhzhia Eparchy by the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience (DESS). The appeal was published on the Telegram channel of the UOC hierarch.

According to the archpastor, the eparchy learned from the mass media about the inspection related to suspicions of "ties with a foreign religious organization whose activities are prohibited in Ukraine." Metropolitan Luke called on the faithful not to give in to fear and irritation and not to respond "with evil for evil."

“One can take away a name with the stroke of a pen, forcibly seize buildings and property, but no one, ever, can tear Christ from the human heart!” the Metropolitan said.

The archpastor recalled the words of Christ: "Bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you" (Mt. 5:44).

He also called on the faithful to pray for those who make decisions concerning the Church, so that the Lord may grant them peace and help them see the truth.

Metropolitan Luke blessed a daily prayer of agreement at 9:00 p.m. According to the published text of the prayer, the faithful will pray for Viktor and all “his fellow workers and like-minded associates” who oppose the Church, asking God to lead them to the true faith and piety and to deliver the Church from every evil affliction.

The archpastor also called on the faithful to intensify their fasting as much as possible and to observe the Dormition Fast with attentive prayer and repentance.

As the UOJ reported, DESS launched a probe into the affiliation of the Zaporizhzhia Eparchy with Moscow.

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