Zoria: Phanar Exarchate backs Ukrainians in Lithuania's fight for freedom
Evstratiy Zoria. Photo: screenshot from the "Voice of America" YouTube channel
The spokesman of the OCU, Ivan (Evstratiy) Zoria, told the Lithuanian publication LRT that the struggle of Ukrainians living in Lithuania for their freedom should be manifested in support of the newly formed structure of the Constantinople Patriarchate here.
"I call on Orthodox Ukrainians to support the Exarchate of the Ecumenical Patriarchate because it is also part of our joint struggle. We know the slogan that united Ukrainian, Lithuanian, and other European patriots long ago. But this slogan remains relevant, including in church life – 'For your and our freedom! Už jūsų ir mūsų laisvę!'," Zoria urged.
He assured that "ecclesiastical freedom, freedom of faith, and freedom of confession in Ukraine and Lithuania are closely and mutually linked."
Earlier, it was reported that with the blessing of Metropolitan Innokentiy of Vilnius, there is a community for Ukrainian refugees in the Lithuanian Church, led by a priest of the UOC from Kharkiv.
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.