Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia and the Holy Synod of the Serbian Orthodox Church have expressed strong indignation over the recent adoption of a law banning the operation of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate). This sentiment was conveyed by Patriarch Porfirije in a letter addressed to Metropolitan Onufriy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
In his letter, Patriarch Porfirije emphasized his “obligation” and “personal need” to inform his “brother and co-celebrant Onufriy” of the deep “indignation” stirred by the news that the Ukrainian Parliament had approved legislation prohibiting the functioning of the “autonomous” Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
“Given that during World War II, the Serbian Orthodox Church was banned and persecuted, we deeply empathize with your situation. The words of the Apostle Paul resonate with us: ‘If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it’ (1 Cor. 12:26),” wrote the Serbian Patriarch.
Patriarch Porfirije further noted, “Today, the sister Church in Ukraine is persecuted by a so-called democratic government composed of its own compatriots, which makes the situation all the more difficult and absurd.”
He continued, “It is evident that the ban on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church legitimizes the ongoing persecution, arrest, and harassment of its Hierarchy and faithful. This law facilitates the further seizure of its property and, in essence, repeats the suffering of Calvary, crucifying the Church anew. In doing so, Ukrainian society as a whole is regressing to the era of Roman persecutions against the Church of Christ.”
The Patriarch concluded with a plea: “We offer our prayers, hopes, and sincere wishes that those responsible will cease this foolish behavior and regain a sense of justice and truth. We also fervently wish for peace, brotherly love, and harmony to reign once again in your homeland. Before the Lord, we affirm the unwavering support of the Serbian people, support that you should never doubt.”
It is worth noting that just a few days ago, Patriarch Porfirije extended his congratulations to Metropolitan Onufriy on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of his enthronement.
