Statement of the Synod of the Belarusian Orthodox Church in connection with the ongoing persecution of hierarchs, clergy, monastics, and laity of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church

DECR Communication service, 29.10.2025.

On October 28, 2025, the Synod of the Belarusian Orthodox Church published a statement in connection with the ongoing persecution of the hierarchs, clergy, monastics, and laity of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church:

"The Synod of the Belarusian Orthodox Church receives with profound regret the news of the ongoing and intensifying persecution of the hierarchs, clergy, monastics, and laity of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

The Synod of the Belarusian Orthodox Church has repeatedly stated on behalf of the Orthodox believers of the Republic of Belarus the universal concern regarding the situation of the canonical Orthodox Church on the territory of Ukraine. But, unfortunately, we now note with great pain and anxiety that unlawful actions against the only canonical Orthodox Church in the country continue.

Metropolitan Antony (Pakanych) of Boryspil and Brovary, the Chancellor of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, has appealed to the faithful with a call for intensified prayer and strict fasting on October 29 and 30. On these days, a court hearing will take place, the ultimate goal of which is to terminate the activities of the Kiev Metropolis of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. In his address, the hierarch noted that, from a human perspective, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church has no one to expect help from, yet the faithful must place their hope in God. The current trials should not frighten them but, on the contrary, should become a reason to strengthen prayer and humbly accept the will of God. The Metropolitan also drew attention to the symbolism of the date of the hearing, which coincides with the day of the veneration of the Icon of the Mother of God, the 'Deliverer.' His Eminence expressed faith that the Most Holy Theotokos will hear the prayers of the faithful and protect them.

With love and pain, empathizing with our neighbors and brothers in faith, we call upon the faithful children of the Belarusian Orthodox Church to support them with fervent prayer and fasting during these days.

May the Lord help all His faithful children through the prayers of the Most Pure Sovereign Lady Theotokos, the host of the Kyiv Caves Saints, the ascetics, the New Martyrs, and the Confessors of our Church!"

Print publication

Statement of the Synod of the Belarusian Orthodox Church in connection with the ongoing persecution of hierarchs, clergy, monastics, and laity of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church

Patriarch

Department Chairman

Sermons

Patriarch

Department Chairman

Sermons