UOC Synod: Criminal cases against hierarchs are questionable

The Holy Synod of the UOC stated that in 2023, there has been an escalation of criminal persecution against hierarchs, clergy and believers of the UOC, said Metropolitan Anthony of Boryspil and Brovary in an address published by the UOC press service on YouTube.

The UOC Chancellor explained that legal proceedings against Metropolitans Jonathan of Tulchyn, Pavel of Vyshhorod, Feodosiy of Cherkasy and Longin of Bancheny caused a great resonance both in the Ukrainian and global communities.

The Holy Synod also noted that the grounds for bringing UOC hierarchs to criminal responsibility and the evidence justifying their accusations are questionable.

"Despite all the complexities of the war, the persecution of hierarchs, clergy, and believers of our Church, the UOC continues steadfastly to fulfil its salvific mission, not deviating from doctrinal truths and church canons, providing spiritual support to all in need, directing its efforts to provide social and humanitarian assistance to those affected by the war and the servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine," added Metropolitan Anthony.

As reported, the Synod of the UOC published data on perished priests and destroyed churches.