Statement by Supreme Church Council of the Russian Orthodox Church concerning threat of violent acts against canonical Church in Ukraine

The Supreme Church Council of the Russian Orthodox Church made a statement concerning the threat of violent acts against the canonical Church in Ukraine.

In the last few days, we have heard undisguised threats aimed against the Ukrainian holy sites venerated by the Orthodox faithful all over the world and lawfully kept in the charge of the canonical Orthodox Church. Provocations organized by radicals were aimed against the Kiev Laura of the Caves and the Pochayiv Laura. The Sumy Diocesan Administration was under threat of attacks.

We call upon all Orthodox Christians of Ukraine, regardless of their political preferences, to prevent seizures of holy sites. We thank those who defended the churches and monasteries, saved them from desecration and did not let to take them away from the true Church.

Praying for the end of strife among the brotherly Ukrainian people, we urge them to remember that religious confrontation, as well as bringing seeds of discord into churches and monasteries, will not lead to peace in Ukraine.