AUCCRO voices position on vaccination against coronavirus
Meeting of the AUCCRO on 27.01.21. Photo: news.church.ua
On January 27, 2021, the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations (AUCCRO) announced its position on vaccination against COVID-19 in Ukraine, reports vrciro.org.ua.
On behalf of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, with the blessing of the Primate of the UOC, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry of Kyiv and All Ukraine, Bishop Victor (Kotsaba) of Baryshevka, as well as an employee of the UOC Department for External Church Relations (DECR), Sergey Bortnik, took part in the meeting.
The meeting participants noted that the issue of vaccination is primarily a medical problem, and "religious leaders should not be promoters of this since this is the competence of physicians, who should comprehensively inform citizens about the benefits and risks of vaccination."
In addition, in their opinion, the state should provide citizens with a free choice: to be vaccinated or not, as well as with what kind of vaccine, since it is not only about its effectiveness and safety, but also about the production technology.
Earlier, Bishop Victor (Kotsaba) stressed that the Church does not oppose vaccination but the methods of its introduction are worrisome.
As reported, the head of the UGCC Sviatoslav Shevchuk became the new chairman of the AUCCRO for the next six months.
Read also
Metr. Saba Appeals for Lebanon Relief Donations
Metr. Saba calls for urgent donations to aid displaced families in Lebanon.
New Orthodox Parish School Set to Open in Pennsylvania
"The School has been in the prayers of St. John Chrysostom Orthodox Church since the community's founding in 1992," a press release states. "Through God, all things are possible!"
Ancient Monastic Complex Found in Egypt
A newly discovered Egyptian site highlights the scale and sophistication of early monastic life.
Ukrainian Protodeacon Alleges False Prosecutions of Priests
Protodeacon Vadim Novinsky said that the vast majority of criminal cases opened against Ukrainian Orthodox Church clergy are fabricated, with the government threatening them to accept plea deals.
Abp. Mark Visits Holy Apostles Parish for Lenten Weekend
Abp. Mark’s visit blended worship, teaching, and encouragement during the Lenten journey.
Abp. Alexei Delivers Lenten Homily in Anchorage
A Lenten homily in Alaska called the faithful back to patient, step-by-step transformation in Christ.