The Church of Albania has once again voiced its support for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (under the Moscow Patriarchate) led by Metropolitan Onufriy. In response to the recent adoption of Bill 8371 by the Ukrainian Parliament, the Church of Albania issued a strong statement condemning what it describes as the “persecution of the canonical Orthodox Church of Ukraine.”
The statement highlights the Church’s deep concern over what it views as an unjust and oppressive measure. It also emphasizes solidarity with their “persecuted brothers” in Ukraine, while offering prayers for the repeal of this “absurd” law and the restoration of peace and unity within Orthodoxy.
Full Statement of the Church of Albania on the Persecution of the Canonical Orthodox Church of Ukraine under Law 8371:
“Persecution, imprisonment, desecration of sacred sites, and the confiscation of church and monastic properties are brutal acts. These actions become even more egregious when enacted by the legislatures of democratic nations.
The recent passage of Law 8371 on August 24, 2024, by the Ukrainian Parliament, clearly seeks to dismantle the canonical Orthodox Church of Ukraine. This law targets millions of Ukrainian Orthodox believers, alongside numerous bishops, priests, monks, and nuns under the guidance of Metropolitan Onufriy, all of whom are members of the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.
As the Apostle Paul reminds us, ‘And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it’ (1 Cor. 12:26). Sharing in the suffering of our persecuted brothers, we fervently pray for an end to the ongoing bloodshed, which has inflicted pain upon the entire Ukrainian population without exception. We also pray for the repeal of this unjust law, the restoration of peace, and the unity of Orthodoxy, so that it may continue to fulfill its global mission.”
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
