The Orthodox Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia has expressed renewed concern over reports of pressure on believers, clergy, and the episcopate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), according to a statement released after an extraordinary session of its Holy Synod. The meeting took place in Bratislava under the chairmanship of Metropolitan Rastislav, the primate of the Church, the Prešov Diocese reported.

During the session, Synod members reiterated their anxiety over continuing accounts of infringements on the rights of UOC faithful amid ongoing tensions in Ukraine. In their official statement, the hierarchs expressed solidarity with all those suffering as a result of the conflict and underscored what they described as the fundamental human right to freedom of religion. This freedom, they noted, is an essential component of human dignity and must be protected regardless of political or military circumstances.

The Synod also reviewed a letter from Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who emphasized that the global Orthodox community is called to model unity and cooperation at a time of rising national and political divisions. Synod members concurred with this appeal, stressing that Orthodox Churches should bear witness to mutual support rather than division or hostility.

The Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia, an autocephalous Orthodox Church serving communities in both the Czech Republic and Slovakia, has previously issued statements urging respect for religious rights amid regional tensions. The latest declaration reflects growing concern within parts of the Orthodox world about the impact of the conflict in Ukraine on interchurch relations and religious freedom.