Jerusalem hierarch urges to resist arbitrariness of UOC persecutors

Archbishop Theodosios of Sebastia. Photo: Facebook page of Archbishop Theodosios

Archbishop Theodosios of Sebastia (Patriarchate of Jerusalem) expressed his support for the Orthodox of Ukraine who are being persecuted and repressed by the authorities. He wrote on Facebook that he had joined the International Human Rights Association "Church against Xenophobia and Religious Discrimination" and drew attention to the violation of the rights of Ukrainian believers.

According to Archbishop Theodosios, the authorities carry out unjustified, unacceptable systematic persecution of the hierarchs of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, as a result of which a number of bishops are harassed on false accusations. The archbishop sees the main danger in the prepared anti-church bill, which is designed to restrict the operation of the UOC and then ban it. All measures implemented, including the confiscation of temples and church property, attacks on Ukrainian Orthodox Church institutions and lands and violent actions directed against Orthodox Christians in Ukraine are serious human rights violations.

"From Jerusalem, from the Holy Land," wrote Archbishop Theodosios, "we call on all Christian Churches of the world, religious and human rights organisations, and all high-ranking officials to counteract the arbitrariness of certain government representatives in Ukraine, whom we can boldly call persecutors of the Church. No one should be persecuted for their religious affiliation! The Ukrainian Orthodox Church, its hierarchs, priests, and people are subjected to persecution due to their allegiance to the ancient Church, which is the oldest Church in Ukraine and is canonical and legitimate."

The Jerusalem hierarch called for stopping bloodshed, calamities, and the suffering to which the faithful in Ukraine are subjected, because "the suffering of our brothers in faith in Ukraine makes us suffer ourselves," in the words of the Apostle: "If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it" (1 Corinthians 12:26–27).

"Expressing solidarity and support for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, led by His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry, all bishops, and priests, we protest against its deliberate persecution and condemn violence against it," concludes Archbishop Theodosios. "We appeal to all human rights, international, and humanitarian organisations to take urgent measures to stop this persecution. Living in the 21st century, it is impossible to imagine how the Church, always bringing the message of peace, love, brotherhood, and mercy to people, can become an object of persecution."

As reported, in December 2023, hierarchs and clergy of the Local Orthodox Churches, together with non-governmental organizations with consultative status at the UN, Public Advocacy, VSI Zmogaus teisiu apsauga, and the European Institute for Religion and Law, signed an agreement to create the International Human Rights Association "Church Against Xenophobia and Religious Discrimination".

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