Zoria: Phanar Exarchate backs Ukrainians in Lithuania's fight for freedom
Evstratiy Zoria. Photo: screenshot from the "Voice of America" YouTube channel
The spokesman of the OCU, Ivan (Evstratiy) Zoria, told the Lithuanian publication LRT that the struggle of Ukrainians living in Lithuania for their freedom should be manifested in support of the newly formed structure of the Constantinople Patriarchate here.
"I call on Orthodox Ukrainians to support the Exarchate of the Ecumenical Patriarchate because it is also part of our joint struggle. We know the slogan that united Ukrainian, Lithuanian, and other European patriots long ago. But this slogan remains relevant, including in church life – 'For your and our freedom! Už jūsų ir mūsų laisvę!'," Zoria urged.
He assured that "ecclesiastical freedom, freedom of faith, and freedom of confession in Ukraine and Lithuania are closely and mutually linked."
Earlier, it was reported that with the blessing of Metropolitan Innokentiy of Vilnius, there is a community for Ukrainian refugees in the Lithuanian Church, led by a priest of the UOC from Kharkiv.
Read also
Metropolitan Jonathan appeals sentence to Supreme Court
The Supreme Court has requested criminal case files from the Vinnytsia City Court for cassation review.
UOC priest being forcibly held by TCC in Ternopil Region
Archpriest Oleh Melnyk was beaten at the TRC.
Metropolitan Victor comments on ROC's actions regarding UOC dioceses
UOC hierarch spoke about whether the statement by 33 UOC bishops could influence the ROC Synod’s decision on the leadership of the Donetsk Eparchy.
UOC hierarch: The Donetsk Eparchy remains part of the Ukrainian Church
Metropolitan Victor stated that 33 bishops of the UOC signed a statement condemning the removal of UOC Metropolitan Ilarion from managing the Donetsk Eparchy.
Greek hierarch condemns harsh reactions of priests toward LGBT marriages
Metropolitan Philotheos stated that the Church must love everyone, including those it disagrees with.
OCU criticizes the painting of Lutsk cathedral with portraits of businessmen
A report has surfaced that the businessmen and their relatives depicted on the frescoes of the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Lutsk opposed having their portraits displayed on the cathedral walls.