Polish Church Council criticises Ukrainian authorities over UOC ban
PAOC Bishops' Council in 2019. Photo: the Polish Church website
On 24 October 2023, the Council of Bishops of the Polish Autocephalous Orthodox Church met to make a statement on the UOC ban by the Verkhovna Rada, reports the PAOC website.
In the statement, the Polish bishops stated "the need for the unity of the Church, which was violated by the non-canonical position of the Church in Ukraine."
"The Holy Council of Bishops of the Polish Autocephalous Orthodox Church received with great misunderstanding the information about the delegalisation of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church by the state authorities. The Council of Bishops pays particular attention to the fact that the Church of Christ has an ontological dimension and is not subject to human legal regulations. It is guided by Jesus Christ himself, our Saviour," the Council’s statement says.
The bishops call “for intense prayer for peace in Ukraine and the Holy Land, where fighting has begun and innocent people are dying".
As reported, according to a Polish bishop, Orthodox Christians in Ukraine are carrying the cross of Christ today.
Read also
UOC Hierarch: The Church Does Not Endorse 'Holy War' Concept
"The assertion that the so-called 'special military operation' is a 'Holy War' contradicts the basic principles of Christian morality," Metr. Yevlohiy said.
Georgian Bishops Finalize Procedures for Patriarchal Election
Head of public relations for the Georgian Church says bishops finalized election procedures while emphasizing unity ahead of the patriarchal council.
SVS Press Releases New Volume by St. Maximus the Confessor
The publisher's new St. Maximus volume explores the theological foundations of Orthodox Christology and the defense of Chalcedon.
Abp. Daniel Announces Synodal Clergy Awards in Chicago Diocese
The Orthodox Church in America's Synodal awards recognized clergy across multiple ranks for dedicated service in the Midwestern diocese.
Registration Opens for First OCA-Wide Clergy Wives Retreat
The Orthodox Church in America’s first churchwide clergy wives retreat aims to strengthen ministry families through prayer, fellowship, and renewal.
Kimberly Guilfoyle Meets Ecumenical Patriarch in Athens
Kimberly Guilfoyle’s meeting with Patr. Bartholomew highlighted support for religious freedom and the global mission of the Orthodox Church.