Priest Responds to Slander Against UOJ: “Free Speech Is Not Foreign Propaganda”
After attacks on the Union of Orthodox Journalists (UOJ) and accusations of “ties to Moscow,” clergy and laity rise in defense of the outlet.
This story was first published by UOJ's Bulgarian branch.
Following a recent media campaign targeting the Union of Orthodox Journalists (UOJ) and accusing it of “working for the Kremlin,” the UOJ’s U.S. editorial office issued a sharply worded statement in defense of UOJ's European branches, threatening legal action against the accusers. The statement sparked a wave of solidarity among Orthodox Christians. Among them is Fr. Vasil Vasilev from Shumen, Bulgaria, who published a heartfelt address in defense of the UOJ. In his message, he condemns the falsehoods directed at the media outlet and emphasizes that the UOJ serves the faith and the Truth, not political interests. “You are not messengers of the Kremlin – you are heralds of Christ,” he declares, adding, “Free speech is not disinformation.”
Here is Fr. Vasilev’s full statement:
ENOUGH! LEAVE THE ORTHODOX MEDIA ALONE!
In defense of the Union of Orthodox Journalists (UOJ)
I write these words not only as an Orthodox priest but as someone who shares in the pains and concerns of the Church. As a Bulgarian, a clergyman, and a free man, I cannot remain silent when slander, manipulation, and malice are being poured out on one of the few media outlets that has remained faithful to the Truth – the Union of Orthodox Journalists (UOJ).
The accusations that the UOJ is linked to Moscow or promoting foreign interests are not just offensive – they are poisonous lies. This is spiritual aggression against the faith, against freedom of speech, and against a holy mission – the mission to speak the truth, even when the world does not want to hear it.
Who fears the UOJ? Those who have no light in their hearts. Those who seek to silence every Orthodox witness. Those who call evil good and good evil (Isaiah 5:20), and who cannot tolerate those who keep their conscience pure.
The UOJ editorial staff is taking decisive action and filing a lawsuit in the European Court – not out of despair, but out of dignity! When your name is being taken from you, you must fight. When your cause is being slandered – the cause of canonical and conciliar Orthodoxy – you must stand tall and declare: “God is with us! Understand, O nations, and submit yourselves, for God is with us!” (Isaiah 8:9)
The UOJ does not serve power, it serves faith. They do not pursue people – they show how the Church itself is being pursued. They do not point fingers in hatred – they bear witness in tears. They do not destroy – they preserve. They safeguard holy relics, the honor of the monks of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, and the piety of the faithful, for whom faith is a path to salvation, not a political game.
A Prayer for Orthodox Journalists:
Lord Jesus Christ, Light of the world, Truth and Life,
Look with mercy on those who bear witness to You with word, with pen, and with spirit.
Strengthen the Union of Orthodox Journalists – grant them wisdom, faith, and endurance in trials.
Protect them from lies, from evil, and from all violence against conscience and speech.
Give them protection from slander, peace in their hearts, and strength not to waver.
May their work be for the glory of Your Name and the salvation of many. Amen!
To the international community, I speak with pain and concern:
Freedom of speech cannot be selective. Orthodox journalists are not “disinformers” simply because they say things that make you uncomfortable. Truth does not belong to secular newsrooms. Truth is Christ. And those who walk in the light of Christ should not be persecuted, but protected. Do not let Europe become the grave of free religious expression. If you remain silent today when Orthodox journalists are being persecuted, tomorrow you will be silent when the Church is persecuted. And then, even your own conscience.
The UOJ is not alone. We, Orthodox Christians, stand behind you. We pray for you. We support you. And we say clearly:
Leave this devout media outlet alone! They are not messengers of the Kremlin – they are heralds of Christ. And it is better to please God than to please men.
“Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven.” (Matthew 5:11–12)
With faith, compassion, and full support,
Fr. Vasil Vasilev
Cleric of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church,
Shumen, Bulgaria
With prayer for the freedom of Orthodox conscience and for the triumph of truth over every lie.
