The Council of the Polish Autocephalous Orthodox Church has issued a statement criticizing the Ukrainian authorities for the law adopted in the Verkhovna Rada aimed at banning the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. This is reported on the official website of the PAOC.

“The information about the de-legalization of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church by the state authorities was received by the Church with great misunderstanding. The Council of Bishops draws special attention to the fact that the Church of Christ has an ontological dimension and is not subject to human legal norms. It is guided by Jesus Christ Himself, our Savior. The Council of Bishops, in accordance with the call of Ap. St. Paul “Let there be peace with all of you” (Rom. 12:18) calls for increased prayer for peace in Ukraine and the Holy Land, where hostilities have begun and innocent people are dying”, – the communiqué reported.

In addition, the Polish Orthodox Church drew attention to the fact that the current church situation in Ukraine is connected with the non-canonical position of the OCU.

“An assessment of the current state of ecclesiastical life of the local Orthodox Churches was given, and the necessity of the unity of the Church, which has been violated by the non-canonical position of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, was stated”, – the Council said in a statement.

Earlier we reported that the Holy Synod of the Patriarchate of Antioch expressed support for the Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onufry of Kyiv and All Ukraine.