The Synod of the Orthodox Church in America issued an official statement condemning euthanasia

At its fall session in 2026, the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) officially adopted a document titled “The Christian End of Our Life.” The statement was published following a meeting at the Vladimir Theological Seminary, presided over by Metropolitan Tikhon.

In the text of the document, the Church’s hierarchs emphasize that human dignity is not determined by an individual’s physical strength or usefulness, but is based on the fact that every person is created in the image of God. In this regard, the Church categorically does not bless euthanasia and assisted suicide, viewing them as actions that contradict the Christian teaching on the sanctity of life.

At the same time, the authors of the statement draw a clear distinction between voluntary termination of life and palliative care. The bishops support the provision of hospice care and the use of methods to alleviate the suffering of the terminally ill. They also allow for the possibility of refusing medical intervention if it becomes an excessive burden and does not provide reasonable benefit to the patient.

The Synod called on the clergy and laity to intensify their ministry to the sick, emphasizing that dependence on others does not diminish human dignity. Believers are encouraged to draw up advance directives regarding medical care, while matters of pastoral care and the order of funeral services have been placed under the jurisdiction of diocesan bishops.