The Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, John X, has shown solidarity with Metropolitan Onufriy of Kyiv and All Ukraine by sending a letter of support to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church regarding Law 8371.
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Below is the full letter from the Patriarch of Antioch:
Your Beatitude Onophrius Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine,
Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church,
“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you” (John 15:18)
We have recently learned about the passing of Bill No. 8371 by the Ukrainian Parliament, which aims to ban the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and strip it of its property. This unjust action is a form of collective punishment against millions of faithful followers who simply wish to uphold their Orthodox beliefs as passed down through generations.
During this challenging time for your Church, we want to reaffirm our unwavering support for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. We stand with the courageous believers who continue to uphold their faith amidst adversity. Our prayers are with all the hierarchs, clergy, monastics, and faithful members of your Church. May God grant you strength, endurance, and the ability to maintain the purity of your faith in the face of persecution.
Your Beatitude, the Patriarchate of Antioch firmly believes that the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, with its apostolic succession and valid priesthood, is the true Orthodox Church in Ukraine. Any attempt to suppress or eliminate this Church is an attack on the oldest legitimate Orthodox Church in the country.
The Patriarchate of Antioch joins other Orthodox Church leaders in supporting your Church and calling for a General Council to address the Ukrainian ecclesiastical situation comprehensively. We pledge to advocate for your cause and appeal to all people of goodwill, especially Christian leaders, governments, international organizations, and champions of human rights and religious freedom, to put an end to the discrimination and violence faced by your Church. Such actions set a dangerous precedent in the modern world and must not be tolerated.
“Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way! The Lord be with you all! (2 Thessalonians 3:16).
Damascus, 24 August 2024.
John X
Patriarch of Antioch and all the East