Metropolitan Luke criticizes the thesis that Law 8371 does not affect UOC

Metropolitan Luke. Photo: Press Service of Zaporizhzhia Eparchy

Metropolitan Luke of Zaporizhzhia and Melitopol commented on the recently adopted law project No. 8371 by the Verkhovna Rada concerning the regulation of religious organizations on his Telegram channel. In his post, the metropolitan warned that, despite statements from some clergy claiming that the new law does not concern the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, there are grounds for concern.

Metropolitan Luka compared the situation to the plot of the movie "Don't Look Up", where a real threat is ignored by society. The UOC hierarch also expressed concern that, despite the law's clear targeting of the UOC, some clergy prefer to "soothe themselves with hope that it does not concern them," thereby misleading their flock. He recalled the old saying: "If there is a person, there will be a case against him," emphasizing that under a "judicial system controlled by telephone law," there is no guarantee of fair enforcement of the law.

The metropolitan urged believers not to bury their heads in the sand like an ostrich, but to "calmly prepare the flock for a proper understanding of what is happening and develop protective mechanisms". He stressed the importance of unity in truth, reminding them that "forewarned is forearmed", meaning they can withstand dangers and adversities.

Speaking about the current situation of the UOC, Luke noted: "Today, the UOC is in the most favorable spiritual position. We are free and independent from any political side." He emphasized that the UOC remains faithful to God and the people of God despite external pressures.

In conclusion, the ruling bishop of the Zaporizhzhia Eparchy expressed confidence that the freedom enjoyed by the UOC is unique among other local churches and urged believers not to succumb to fear and to maintain faith in God's judgment, which he believes has already begun with Ukraine. "Each of those who believe in God chooses whom they are with – God, who speaks to man through conscience, or the devil, who speaks to him in the language of fear," concluded Metropolitan Luke.

As reported by the UOJ, the hierarch of the UOC previously wrote a letter to His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry regarding the unification with the OCU.

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