Persecutions against priests and believers of the UOC “serve the interests of the enemies of the Orthodox Church, deepen the schism, destroy bridges to reconciliation and spiritual development of Orthodox believers in Ukraine, where the UOC carries out its saving mission under the spiritual leadership of Metropolitan Onufry, who is recognized by most Orthodox Churches,” says Metropolitan Vostra Timothy, Bishop of the Jerusalem Orthodox Church, Exarch of the Holy Sepulcher in Cyprus. He recorded a video with his impressions after watching the film “The Faithful”, according to the Information and Education Department of the UOC.

Let us remind you that the cycle of documentary stories “Faithful” about people who, despite the pressure, remained faithful to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, was created by the “Zoryany” TV channel together with the “Favor” charitable foundation.

– The other day, with sorrow, I watched a documentary about the persecution of priests and believers in Ukraine, belonging to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, of which I also have an idea.

It is scary to imagine that people who claim to be Orthodox are so engulfed in hatred that with the help of violence they seize churches, break down church doors, persecute their compatriots spiritually and physically, and persecute and divide the Church. Because of these actions, believers of the UOC are deprived of the opportunity to pray in churches where their ancestors prayed and where they themselves were baptized and grew spiritually.

Acts of violence and intolerance, from whichever side they come from, evoke repugnance and condemnation throughout the world. This only proves that those involved in these actions are far from the Christian spirit and teaching, which is characterized by love and mercy even towards enemies.

And what is more shameful when this is done by members of the so-called “OCU” or on its behalf and with the participation of local authorities, despite the fact that these actions are criminal, inciting hatred between believers of the same Ukrainian people.

In fact, they serve the interests of the enemies of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, deepen schism, destroy bridges of reconciliation in the spiritual development of Orthodox believers in Ukraine, where the UOC carries out its saving mission under the spiritual leadership of His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry, who is recognized by most Orthodox Churches.

Every true believer will undoubtedly condemn such actions that are alien to the Christian spirit.

Those believers who, during the time of persecution, firmly adhered to their Mother Church, are worthy of praise. The Lord rewarded them for their patience, and many new churches were built in Ukraine, where believers continue to pray for the understanding of the erring ones, so that the Lord would return them to the true path of faith and harmony and make everyone one with the Body of Christ.

All of us, Orthodox Christians, also need to fervently pray to the Lord so that He further strengthens them in their saving deed.