Bishop Victor meets with Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem
UOC representatives met with Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem
On March 4, 2019, with the blessing of His Beatitude, Metropolitan Onufriy of Kiev and All Ukraine, Bishop Victor of Baryshevka, Vicar of the Kiev Metropolis, met with the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Theophilos III. Archbishop Theophylactus of Jordan and Protopriest Nikolai Danilevich, Vice-Chairman of the Department for External Church Relations of the UOC, also took part in the meeting, according to the Information and Education Department of the UOC.
Bishop Victor told the Primate of the Jerusalem Church about the current ecclesiastic situation in Ukraine and about the challenges the Ukrainian Orthodox Church is confronted with today.
Patriarch Theophilos noted that the Ukrainian church crisis is a challenge for the whole of Orthodoxy. The Primate expressed his firm hope that Universal Orthodoxy would find the strength and ability to overcome these temptations and preserve the unity of the Church.
Patriarch Theophilos assured that he is praying for Ukraine and the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church, led by His Beatitude Metropolitan Onufriy of Kiev and All Ukraine. At the end of the meeting, the parties exchanged gifts.
Representatives of the UOC are staying in Israel as part of the delegation of the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations, which these days is making its working visit to this country.
Recall, on January 21, 2019, President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko during his visit to Israel was not able to meet with the Jerusalem Patriarch Theophilos III. Later, the press service of the President said that Poroshenko invited Patriarch Theophilos III to visit Ukraine to "establish a dialogue with the Local Church".
On January 22, Patriarch Theophilos received pilgrims of the UOC in his residence and handed over his primatial blessing to the faithful children of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
On January 30, the Primate of the Jerusalem Church met with Metropolitan Anthony of Borispol and Brovary, the UOC Chancellor.
As the UOJ reported, according to media information, pressure is being imposed on the Jerusalem Patriarchate so that it recognized the OCU.
Read also
Petition Warns Canada’s Hate Speech Law Could Criminalize Scripture
Thousands of Canadians have signed a petition urging the Liberal government to drop proposed hate-speech changes that critics warn could criminalize quoting the Bible and other religious texts.
JD Vance: Criticizing Israel Is Not Antisemitism
Vice President JD Vance said opposing Israeli policies is not the same as antisemitism, sparking debate over where criticism of Israel ends and hatred of Jews begins.
First Orthodox Prayer Book Published in Indonesian Language
The first Orthodox prayer book in Indonesian has been published and presented in Bekasi, providing local faithful and new converts with a vital resource for prayer and liturgical life.
OCA Joins Legal Challenge to Illinois Abortion Referral Law
Amicus brief argues mandate violates religious freedom and compels pro-life providers to contradict their faith.
EXCLUSIVE: Leaked Ukrainian Memo Says Religious Freedom is ‘Achilles Heel’
In an emergency strategy meeting held in response to the Society of St. John's Day of Action, D.C.-based Ukrainian lobbyists acknowledged the weight of the religious freedom issue as it pertains to the Ukrainian government’s public perception.
Historic $2.9 Million Bequest Strengthens Greek Orthodox Foundation
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Foundation has received a record $2.9 million bequest from the late Andy Efthim, a devoted layman whose faith-filled generosity will support the Church’s mission for generations.