Hierarch of the UOC called for fasting and prayer ahead of the trial on the ban on the Church

Metropolitan Antoniy, the administrator of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, has appealed to the faithful to spend September 29 and 30 in strict fasting and intense prayer. This spiritual preparation is connected with the upcoming trial, which, according to the hierarch, is initiated to ban the activities of the Kyiv Metropolitan Church of the UOC. This is reported by «Orthodox Life».

According to Metropolitan Anthony, September 30, 2025 in the Sixth Administrative Court of Appeal will begin consideration of the lawsuit filed by the State Service of Ukraine on ethno-politics and freedom of conscience. The bishop characterized the upcoming hearing as «not just a legal procedure, it is, in fact, a trial of the Church of Christ itself.» He called what is happening «a terrible lawlessness» and «a spiritual crime before God,» which «cynically tramples on freedom of conscience.»

Despite the seriousness of the situation, the head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church urged believers not to be afraid and not to despair, recalling the words from the Gospel: «Do not be afraid of those who kill the body, but those who cannot kill the soul. He emphasized that true faith is not in temple buildings, but in people’s hearts. «Perhaps our temples will be taken away from us, perhaps monasteries will be closed, but the main thing is that we do not lose ourselves to the Kingdom of God,» the Vladyka noted.

Metropolitan Anthony urged to perceive the current trials as God’s Providence, allowed because of sins, unbelief and deviation from the commandments of the believers themselves. Quoting the words of the founder of the Church «I will build My Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it», he expressed confidence in the ultimate victory of truth and urged the flock to follow Christ in faith, love and humility.

For spiritual support during these days, the bishop blessed all those who are not indifferent to the fate of the Church to spend September 29 and 30 in strict fasting. In addition, the faithful are asked to make 12 earth bows with a special prayer: «O Lord our God, we have sinned and lawlessness before You, we bring repentance from a broken heart. Do not let the judges do wrong to Your Holy Church, but destroy the malicious intentions of those who oppose Her. Protect the Church with Thy right hand and establish her in peace and truth. By Your mercy cover us sinners and Your Holy Church have mercy».

It is also reported that on September 30 in the churches and communities of Boryspil diocese by order of Metropolitan Anthony will be celebrated Divine Liturgy with a prayer for the protection of the Holy Church.

Recall that the Sixth Administrative Court of Appeal in Kyiv has scheduled the first hearing on September 30, 2025 on the lawsuit filed by the State Service of Ukraine on Ethno-politics and Freedom of Conscience (SSEC) to terminate the Kyiv Metropolitanate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. This case may lead to the liquidation of the central governing body of the UOC.