UOC Chancellor: We use the entire legislative arsenal in our defense

Metropolitan Anthony (Pakanich) of Boryspil and Brovary addressed the UOC believers in view of the new persecution of the canonical Church with the words of Christ: “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.” Vladyka Anthony's message was published on his YouTube channel.

The hierarch emphasized that the ongoing events should not cause fear and confusion among the faithful of the Church, but courage and determination to follow Christ, to bear their own cross, remembering that the Joy of the Resurrection awaits us beyond the horror of Golgotha on this path.

“The faithful children of the Orthodox Church are law-abiding citizens of Ukraine who work and defend their native land. Therefore, the Constitution guarantees us the right to freely practice our faith. The insane flurry of far-fetched and fabricated accusations, the massive pressure of the media on the episcopate and clergy of our Church with the desire to compromise them by all means, are unworthy of a democratic and European state. Therefore, in our defense, we have the right to use the entire legislative arsenal of both our state and the pan-European’s,” said the Chancellor of the UOC.

Metropolitan Anthony of Boryspil and Brovary said that the churches of the UOC, as always, are overcrowded during these days of the Nativity Fast and testify to who the Orthodox people of Ukraine are with.

Vladyka Anthony called on the flock of the UOC to be faithful citizens of their homeland, to respect and fulfill its laws that do not contradict God's commandments, and to do everything possible for the country’s benefit and protection. “The one who sincerely believes and trusts his Lord in everything, is not subjected to malice and destructive hatred in response to oppression, insults, injustice. He forgives the way Christ forgave,” added the hierarch of the UOC.

As reported by the UOJ, Metropolitan Anthony of Boryspil and Brovary earlier appealed to the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy to stop the lawlessness being committed against the faithful of the diocese in his purview.