Believers not allowed into Pochaiv say they will go on a hunger strike
The believers, who were not allowed into the Pochaiv Lavra on March 24, 2023, said that if the authorities did not hear them, they were ready to start an indefinite hunger strike, reports the press service of the Chernivtsi-Bukovyna Eparchy.
“We are humiliated, we are pulled out by force from buses with small children as criminals in the middle of the night, we are forbidden to pray for our relatives, we are not allowed to move around our Motherland, the police bring our children to tears,” said the women in the appeal.
The believers of the UOC declared that they were ready to go to the end and called on the authorities to stop oppressing and persecuting them, and if the authorities did not hear them, they were ready to start an indefinite hunger strike.
On March 24, 2023, the police stopped two buses from Chernivtsi en route to the Pochaiv Lavra. The security forces explained their actions by the fact that rallies and meetings are prohibited during martial law. According to the UOJ, buses were confiscated from the drivers who were taking UOC believers for prayer to the Pochaiv Lavra for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
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.