Jerusalem hierarch: We must inform the world about persecution of the UOC

Archbishop Theodosios Hanna of Sebastia (Jerusalem Orthodox Church, Palestine). Photo: traditia

Archbishop Theodosios Hanna of Sebastia (Jerusalem Orthodox Church, Palestine) has called for increased global awareness of the persecution faced by the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC). Speaking at the international conference "Blockade of Aggression Against the Church – Defense of Orthodoxy" in Bulgaria, he emphasized the need to draw international attention to the Ukrainian authorities' actions against the UOC.

The archbishop expressed gratitude to the conference participants for their efforts to "loudly proclaim the need to end the persecution faced by our sister Orthodox Church in Ukraine."

"This is the correct Orthodox Christian position, and we cannot remain silent in the face of these serious violations and unprecedented abuses being committed against the only legitimate Orthodox Church in Ukraine, headed by His Eminence Metropolitan Onuphry," he noted.

Archbishop Theodosios made several recommendations for supporting the UOC, including:

- Appealing to All Orthodox Churches Worldwide: Urging all Orthodox Churches to take swift action to halt the persecution of the Church in Ukraine.

- Engaging Christian Authorities: Advising the call for all Christian leaders and authorities (including non-Orthodox) to take a clear stance on this issue.

- Contacting International Organizations: Recommending urgent appeals to international bodies such as the United Nations and its associated human rights organizations, including the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva.

- Increasing Media Coverage: Stressing the need for broader dissemination of information about the human rights violations against Orthodox clergy and believers in Ukraine. This includes explaining the severity of the situation, the targeted attacks on the ancient Orthodox Church, and the illegal seizure of churches and property. He also highlighted the importance of informing the public about the "illegitimate" law aimed at abolishing the existence of the legitimate Ukrainian Church.

- Organizing More Conferences: Calling for more conferences and meetings globally to address this serious issue and pressure the political leadership in Kyiv to end its attacks and persecutions against the Ukrainian Church.

The archbishop condemned the Ukrainian parliament's law against the Orthodox Church in Ukraine as a grave violation of human rights and freedom of religion. "We demand the repeal of this measure and its decisive condemnation," he added.

In conclusion, the hierarch requested prayers and intercession from the Most Holy Theotokos for His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry, and for all bishops, clergy, and the people of the sister Church in Ukraine. He also prayed for the end of the war in Gaza and for peace and dialogue to prevail in the Holy Land of Palestine.

As reported by the UOJ, an international conference in defense of the UOC was held in Bulgaria.

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