UOC Chancellor: The God-loving people will not betray their Church

On March 13, the UOC Chancellor, Metropolitan Anthony (Pakanych) of Boryspil and Brovary stated that the Ukrainian people genetically feel where the truth and grace of God are. The God-loving Ukrainian people love their Church and will not betray it. Metropolitan Antony said this in an appeal that he published on his Facebook page.

The UOC chancellor reminded that according to the Constitution, the state has no right to interfere in internal church life. And actions aimed at discrediting the Ukrainian Orthodox Church grossly violate the principles of the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. This defining international document guarantees the right of every person to practice any religion and protects religious organizations from discrimination. Metropolitan Anthony also noted that the obligations undertaken by the state as a result of signing the Association Agreement with the European Union do not allow for violations of fundamental rights and freedoms, guaranteeing freedom of conscience and religion.

"But despite these fundamental democratic principles, in Ukraine, the Orthodox Church, which raised our people, is first attacked at all levels. And then a new religious confession is artificially created, which is declared more Ukrainian and more patriotic. And new laws are created under this organization to take away the property of legitimate owners, that is, to legalize church raiding at the state level. Those who disagree with this version are declared second-rate. As a result, according to the authors of this scenario, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church must completely disappear," said Metropolitan Anthony.

The UOC hierarch addressed the persecutors of the Church: "I want to ask those who prepared and issued the order for our Church to terminate the lease of churches and other Lavra premises. Gentlemen, how much have you personally donated to the restoration of the Lavra? What moral right do you have to dispose of a national shrine?" he stated.

The UOC Chancellor called on the persecutors of the Church to remember that God is not insulted. "You are encroaching on one of the possessions of the Mother of God – the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. If you are doing this unconsciously, wake up! You are persecuting those who love their Homeland, who pray for Ukraine and its people," he said.

"But we have protection! This is the Lord God. As history testifies, the fate of those who encroached on the Lavra was tragic. The Lord will not abandon His holy place and His people," resumed Metropolitan Anthony.

As reported, Metropolitan Pavel, the abbot of Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, said that the monks of the Lavra do not intend to comply with illegal demands to evict the brethren from the monastery.