American journalist: I've witnessed a dire persecution against the UOC
American journalist Flavius Mihaies. Photo: "Myriany"
Journalist Flavius Mihaies, a member of the National Press Club, the professional organization for journalists in Washington, D.C., told the UOC believers outside the Hertsa Court building that he had personally witnessed persecutions against the UOC. A video of the journalist's speech outside the Hertsa court was published on the "Myriany" Telegram channel.
"Despite these difficult times for you, you've opened your arms and your homes, and I have been touched by your generosity even in this difficult time for you and for the Church. I cannot speak for everything that is happening in Ukraine, but what I have witnessed for the last two days is a very dire persecution of UOC Christians," the journalist said.
He explained that his parents are Romanians who had to emigrate in the late 70s due to religious persecution by the communists. Arriving in Ukraine, Flavius Mihaies understood the conditions in which his parents lived and prayed.
"When I came here for the first time, I visited the first village where the church was closed and stolen from the UOC believers. Instead of gathering in their church, your fellow Christians had gathered in a small house made of wood. It was a very simple house full of people, not the less. It was cold. I felt cold, but they didn't look like they were cold. And for the first time I thought – this is how my grandparents' house looked like when the Christians were gathering there. And I just want to say it might feel lonely for you today, but we see you and we hear you," said Flavius Mihaies.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the trial of Metropolitan Longin was again postponed due to the non-appearance of the "victims".
Read also
In Ukraine, Trump’s 'spiritual advisor' reassured of religious freedom
Pastor Mark Burns stated that Ukraine, despite the war, is a "beacon of religious freedom."
Lavra brethren congratulate Metropolitan Pavel on 31 years as abbot
The monks of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra have expressed hope that they will soon be able to pray again with their abbot.
Amsterdam: Intrusion into Lavra Caves – a return to Soviet-era persecution
International lawyer Robert Amsterdam has condemned the actions of Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture regarding the inspection of holy relics in the Caves of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, calling it a violation of religious freedom.
Over 20 EU states condemn Hungary for ban on LGBT propaganda among children
“This restricts the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression,” diplomats state in a joint declaration.
His Beatitude officiates consecration of Bishop of Rakhiv
At the Church of St. Agapitus in the Lavra, the Primate of the UOC ordained a vicar for the Khust Eparchy.
Met Victor: It is painful to see Lavra's relics turned into test subjects
According to the bishop, there is particular concern over how members of the scientific commission will handle the holy relics.