Archbishop Theodosius of Sebastia: the oppression to which the Ukrainian Orthodox Church is subjected is unjust and cannot be justified or accepted in any form

DECR Communication Service, 02.03.2024.

Archbishop Theodosius of Sebastia has said that "in the context of recent events, Jerusalem considers it offensive and sorrowful" that the Ukrainian Orthodox Church is being persecuted and oppressed by state structures despite all appeals and pleas that have been made.

According to the Archbishop, persecution of bishops and priests is continuing, not to mention the illegal seizure of monasteries and churches, as well as attempts to put pressure on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. In particular, Metropolitan Theodosy (Snigiryov) of Cherkassy and Kanev is being persecuted. "We express our rejection and condemnation of this unjustified, irresponsible and unreasonable persecution faced by the Orthodox Church in Ukraine, which is the legitimate Church headed by His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry," Archbishop Theodosius said.

In the 21st century, when political leaders in the West glorify human rights and democracy, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which is linked to the history of [Ukraine], its heritage and identity, is being persecuted, testifies Archbishop Theodosius. "What our brethren - Metropolitans, clergy and church communities belonging to fraternal Church in Ukraine - are experiencing can be called religious persecution and discrimination on the basis of religious affiliation, and this is an issue that should attract the constant attention of all the international community".

The Archpastor called on international human rights organisations to condemn the discrimination suffered by the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and "to take measures to stop this unacceptable persecution, from a human rights, spiritual, social and moral perspective".

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Archbishop Theodosius of Sebastia: the oppression to which the Ukrainian Orthodox Church is subjected is unjust and cannot be justified or accepted in any form

Patriarch

Department Chairman

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Patriarch

Department Chairman

Sermons