The Synod of the Belarusian Church expressed concern about persecution of the UOC Church

The Synod of the Belarusian Orthodox Church (BOC) published an official appeal expressing deep concern over the ongoing persecution of the hierarchs, clergy and laity of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC). The Synod urged the believers of Belarus to support their brothers in faith with increased prayer and fasting during the days of the trial, which, according to the Church, is aimed at ending the activities of the Kyiv Metropolitanate of the UOC.

The statement, published on the official portal of the Belarusian Orthodox Church, notes that the Synod notes with “deep regret” and concern the continuation of illegal actions against the UOC. The text emphasizes that the BOC has repeatedly stated its universal concern about the situation of the canonical Church on the territory of Ukraine.

Special attention is paid to the appeal of Metropolitan Antony (Pakanich) of Boryspil and Brovary, the UOC administrator of affairs. He appealed to the faithful with a request for increased prayer and strict fasting on October 29 and 30. On these dates a court hearing will be held, which, according to the hierarch, has the ultimate goal of terminating the activities of the Kyiv Metropolitanate. Metropolitan Antony emphasized that the current trials should be an occasion for increased prayer and humble acceptance of God’s will.

The address also notes the symbolism of the dates of the meeting, which coincide with the day of honoring the icon of the Mother of God “Deliverer”. “With love and pain empathizing with our neighbors and brothers in faith, we call upon the faithful members of the Belarusian Orthodox Church to support them with diligent prayer and fasting in these days,” reads the conclusion of the appeal of the Synod of the BOC.

Recall, earlier we reported that the head of the Orthodox Church in America, Metropolitan Tikhon of Washington expressed support for the Primate of the UOC, His Beatitude Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine Onufry. Metropolitan Tikhon noted the plight of the UOC, assuring the Primate of the Ukrainian Church of fraternal and prayerful friendship.