Inter-Parliamentary Assembly on Orthodoxy calls attacks on UOC terrorism
Participants of the 26th General Interparliamentary Assembly on Orthodoxy. Photo: eiao.org
On November 14, 2019, during a session of the International Secretariat, chairmen and rapporteurs of commissions of the Interparliamentary Assembly on Orthodoxy in Athens, its president Sergei Gavrilov stated that the attacks of the radicals on the UOC are a manifestation of terrorism, reports the “Regnum” news agency.
Gavrilov recalled that dozens of churches of the canonical Church have already been seized in Ukraine, and hundreds of believers have suffered at the hands of radicals.
However, the actions of the attackers remain unpunished, and raider attacks and pressure on the clergy and laity of the UOC continue with the inaction of the authorities, as noted during the discussion of the church schism in Ukraine.
Earlier, people's deputy of Ukraine Viktor Medvedchuk also stated that the policy of persecution of the Church, initiated by the former President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko, was continued in the actions of some representatives of the team of the President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky. “Each new statement by representatives of the Ukrainian authorities is simply the height of unprofessionalism and cynicism regarding their voters,” he commented on statements regarding the UOC made by the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Vladimir Borodiansky.
Later, Vladislav Petrushko, the historian and professor of the Orthodox St. Tikhon Humanitarian University, also commented on the religious situation in Ukraine and expressed concern that recognition of the OCU by the Orthodox Churches of Greece and Alexandria would cause new persecution of the UOC. “Zelensky’s attempt to pacify the situation in the country comes up against the resistance of internal radical forces. But I think that they are also heated from the outside, so, unfortunately, it’s impossible to predict anything good,” said the expert.
Later, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports of Ukraine announced that they would intensify efforts in the near future to handle the issue of renaming the UOC.
Read also
After Criticism from National Herald, GOARCH Shares Public Schedule of Pat. Bartholomew
Questions had previously been raised about the Patriarch of Constantinople's upcoming visit to the U.S., which initially had a schedule of meetings that was seemingly restricted to the more privileged members of the archdiocese.
Serbian Orthodox Priest: There Is Only One Canonical Orthodox Church in Ukraine — The UOC
Archpriest Slobodan Zeković affirms the exclusive canonical status of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church under Metropolitan Onuphry and explains the Church’s stance on Holy Communion and intercommunion with other Christian communities.
Pat. Porfirije: The Church Must Resist Applause at Appearing 'Modern'
Serbian Patriarch warns against diluting the Church’s mission during visit to historic Belgrade parish.
Pat. of Jerusalem: We Must 'Serve and Guard the Holy Places'
"Our unity also has its fruits, which is the salvation of all," said Theophilus II. "Our unity guarantees the way and the means of salvation."
Met. Longin: Mobilization of Priests 'Lawless', a 'Disgrace'
"Today, they are taking our priests to war. They have no right to do this because we cannot then raise our hands to God—they will be stained with blood," the Metropolitan declared.
London ROCOR Cathedral Marks Milestone in Food Aid to Refugees and Needy
Cathedral food bank distributes nearly 2,800 boxes since launch in 2022.