Metropolitan Anthony explains why politicians pass anti-church laws
Metropolitan Anthony answered journalists' questions about pressure on the UOC. Photo: a screenshot/ UOC Information Centre
On April 8, during a press breakfast at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, the UOC Chancellor of the UOC, Metropolitan Anthony of Boryspil and Brovary, explained why politicians in Ukraine pass laws against the UOC and what they can lead the state to.
Bills directed against the Ukrainian Orthodox Church contradict the Constitution and therefore have no right to life, Vladyka Anthony noted. These laws will definitely lead to destabilization in Ukrainian society.
According to Metropolitan Anthony, by passing anti-church laws, politicians hope to influence future elections and cover up economic setbacks.
He called on the authorities to serve the people of Ukraine responsibly.
“Politicians must realize that we are all temporary people in this life,” Metropolitan Anthony emphasized. “And political life also does not last long. I would like to emphasize that politicians are people who must serve the state. They should use all their strengths, abilities, levers of power that they have in order to think about the state."
The UOC Chancellor compared the state to a ship, the shipmaster of which are the politicians elected by the people.
“But one gets the impression that some politicians, instead of steering the ship, are hammering the bottom so that water can get in there,” the bishop noted. "But you need to understand that if the ship sinks, it will sink with everyone: not only with ordinary people but also with politicians."
Metropolitan Anthony stressed that the impulses of pressure on the Church are coming to Ukraine from abroad because the oppression of the UOC is not a political rather than religious issue.
“If the Lord blesses us to be patient, we will accept it as a cross,” Vladyka said. “This position is due to the fact that the main goal of the Church is not to be isolated on earth but to lead souls to eternity.
However, the believers of the UOC are also citizens of Ukraine, who are doing everything for its development,” the UOC Chancellor noted. Therefore, the Church will take all legal measures to ensure their rights.
As previously reported, “Servants of the People” are proposing to close religious organizations “for treason”.
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.