The clergy and parishioners of the UOC must work together to protect the Ukrainian Orthodox Church from persecution and repression. Metropolitan Anthony of Boryspil and Brovary, the manager of the UOC, stated this at a meeting with representatives of the diocesan legal departments.

“The shameful practice of seizing and illegally re-registering religious communities in the OCU continues. There are 9 bills in the Verkhovna Rada aimed in one way or another to restrict the UOC or completely ban it <…> – The Security Service of Ukraine conducted searches in monasteries, diocesan administrations and parishes, initiated criminal proceedings, ”said Metropolitan Anthony.

At the same time, the manager advised the believers of the UOC to rely on the law and their own strength to protect the Church.

“We must protect our constitutional rights with the means provided to us by the current legislation of Ukraine. Only by the joint efforts of the clergy and laity, each in his own place, in his parish, can we hear the authorities and protect our constitutional rights to freely practice our Orthodox faith,” the bishop added.