Metropolitan Anthony on the ban on the UOC: The state, which calls itself a direct descendant of Kievan Rus, is destroying the foundation of this statehood

Metropolitan Anthony (Pakanich), administrator of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, commented on attempts to legislatively ban the UOC. The hierarch recalled that similar situations have occurred repeatedly in the history of the Church, but they have always ended in disaster for those who initiated anti-church persecution. The hierarch’s words are reported by the publication “Orthodox Life.”

“An incredible tragedy is unfolding before our eyes. The state, which calls itself a direct descendant of Kievan Rus and claims its historical and cultural heritage, is destroying the foundation of this statehood, laid in the 10th century by St. Vladimir, Equal to the Apostles. The authorities are systematically destroying the Church, the only institution that has been present in our lands since the baptism of Rus, severing the direct link between the modern state and Kievan Rus, cutting the main thread that ran through the ages and epochs, connecting and uniting entire generations. Orthodoxy has always been the soul, conscience, and main force of our society. And the prosperity of the country was conditioned by harmonious cooperation with the Church. After all, the Church itself cannot contradict the laws if they are based on biblical principles,” – the metropolitan noted.

The hierarch added that attempts to ban or eliminate the Church have repeatedly taken place throughout history, but have never ended well for those who initiated them.

“Frankly speaking, everything that is happening is pure anti-Christianity. One can formally proclaim freedom of conscience and Christian values, but before God, this means nothing. If you fight against the true Church, you are not fighting against some ‘religious association’, but against God Himself. Everyone knows how the struggle against God and His Church ended for the ancient persecutors and Soviet atheists. It has been this way since time immemorial, and it will always be this way. As for today’s laws, there is much to think about. Attacks on the Church are “regulated” by legislation that cannot be called Christian in any way (laws are being passed or are being prepared to pass on greater rights for sexual minorities, the legalization of “medical cannabis,” casinos, and pornography),” – the bishop concluded.

Earlier, Metropolitan Luke of Zaporizhia and Melitopol commented on the provocative statements made by Ukrainian politicians against the UOC. The bishop believes that despite the cruelty of the statements against the Church and faith in general, believers of the UOC should remain steadfast and not respond to evil with evil.