Jerusalem Bishop Defends UOC Amid Persecution

JERUSALEM — Abp. Theodosius (Hanna) of Sebastia, a hierarch of the Jerusalem Orthodox Church, has issued a strong defense of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), condemning the escalating persecution it faces in Ukraine. The statement, published on the Facebook page "Voice of the Orthodox Church from Jerusalem," highlights growing concerns over attacks on the UOC’s clergy, churches, and leadership.

Abp. Theodosius reported a surge in hostile actions against the UOC, including church seizures, arrests of clergy, harassment of bishops, and pressure on its Primate, Met. Onuphry. He accused certain forces of attempting to undermine the UOC, which he described as the sole canonical Church in Ukraine, while promoting an unrecognized alternative structure.

"We recognize only the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church and its Primate, Met. Onuphry," the archbishop declared. "No other entity, created to weaken the legitimate and canonical Church, will be acknowledged by us."

The hierarch emphasized the UOC’s deep historical and spiritual roots, noting its revered monasteries, churches, faithful, and clergy. He called for global attention to the plight of the UOC, urging its bishops’ cries for help to be heard, including at the United Nations.

Expressing solidarity with Met. Onuphry and the UOC’s hierarchs, Abp. Theodosius condemned the "unprecedented repression" faced by the Church. He appealed to international organizations, including the UN, and Christian Churches worldwide to demand an end to the persecution.

"We call on global Christian Churches, human rights organizations, and international bodies to act swiftly to halt the actions of Pres. Zelenskyy and his government against this Church," he said. "Such violations and persecutions are unacceptable."

The archbishop revealed that prayers are being offered at the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem for Met. Onuphry and the UOC’s faithful, who he described as enduring attacks from "enemies of the Orthodox faith." He warned that those targeting the UOC are, in effect, opposing the entire Ecumenical Orthodox Church.

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