The Albanian Orthodox Church has issued a strong statement condemning the recent Ukrainian parliamentary law aimed at dissolving the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC). In a declaration published on the official website of the Albanian Church, deep concern was expressed over this "unjust and repressive measure," with the Church affirming its solidarity with the UOC and its faithful.

"This law targets millions of Ukrainian Orthodox believers, as well as numerous bishops, priests, monks, and nuns under the leadership of Metropolitan Onuphry, who are members of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church," the statement from the Albanian Church reads.

The Albanian Orthodox Church denounced the persecution of Orthodox believers in Ukraine, including imprisonments, desecration of sacred sites, and confiscation of church property. These actions are particularly egregious, the statement asserts, when they are supported by legislative bodies in democratic nations. The Church highlighted that such laws are an affront to millions of Ukrainian Orthodox believers, their clergy, and monastics under Metropolitan Onuphry's guidance.

The statement concludes with a quote from the Apostle Paul's letter: "If one member suffers, all the members suffer with it" (1 Corinthians 12:26), and a call for prayer for the repeal of this "absurd" law, the restoration of peace, and unity in Orthodoxy, so that the Church can continue its global mission.

Photo: Albanian Orthodox Church / orthodoxalbania.org