Met. Anthony: Despite trouble, some’re looking for excuse to slander Church
Metropolitan Anthony (Pakanich). Photo: a video screenshot of Klymenko Time YouTube
If those who call themselves Christians use a common misfortune with the coronavirus pandemic to slander the UOC, then this just indicates that they are not Christians. Metropolitan of Boryspil and Brovarsky Anthony (Pakanich) said this in an interview with the Klymenko Time channel regarding information about the infection of coronavirus at the Holy Dormition Pochaev Lavra.
“There are certain forces that are still looking for an excuse to slander the Ukrainian Orthodox Church during this common misfortune, which should unite us, different, in order to fight it, to protect our society, our people,” the hierarch noted. “And if this is done by people who call themselves Christians, then this is just evidence that they are telling a lie – they are not Christians.”
According to him, both doctors and Pochaev’s police have already confirmed that not a single case of COVID-19 was recorded in the Lavra or in the city itself.
“Even if these cases of the disease existed, then, as far as I remember, it was said that these people went to the Lavra by bus, and this road was very long (we are talking about Moldovan citizens), and there were a lot of opportunities to get infected. Why it is the Pochaev Lavra to be blamed for it just to somehow hurt the Ukrainian Orthodox Church once again,” said the UOC Chancellor.
As reported earlier, the police checked information about pilgrims allegedly infected in the Pochaev Lavra and found no confirmation.
Read also
ROCOR Priest Reflects on Trip to Capitol Hill
Archpriest Victor Boldewskul participated in the Society of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco's Day of Action to raise awareness about the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
Hundreds of Chinese Christians Arrested in Pre-Christmas Crackdown
Hundreds of Chinese Christians face spending Christmas in detention after authorities launched a sweeping pre-holiday crackdown on churches under Beijing’s campaign to control religious life.
Ukraine Adviser: UOC Not Banned, but Offered a 'Choice' of Jurisdictions
A Ukrainian presidential adviser said the UOC is not banned but pressured to choose between joining the OCU, submitting to Constantinople, or remaining unregistered, while dismissing international concerns as propaganda.
Indiana Reports 98% Drop in Abortions Under Stricter Law
Indiana’s latest health report shows a 98% drop in reported abortions under stricter laws, though dozens still occurred under legal exceptions and concerns persist about unreported pill abortions.
Armenian Apostolic Church Pushes Back on Political Encroachment
The Armenian Apostolic Church plans to appeal to international bodies to resist government interference and defend its clergy and sacred relics.
Attempted Takeover at Armenian Etchmiadzin Cathedral Thwarted by Faithful
Supporters of Armenian PM Pashinyan attempted to storm Etchmiadzin Cathedral amid calls for the Catholicos’s resignation but were blocked by parishioners and security.