Lithuanian Metropolitan quits WRPC due to his anti-war stance

Metropolitan Innokenty of Vilna and Lithuania. Photo: LRT.lt.

Metropolitan Innokenty of Vilnius and Lithuania (LOC MP) has expressed disagreement with the concluding document adopted at the XXV Congress of the World Russian People's Council and announced that he is suspending his membership in the WRPC. He shared this in a comment to the LRT.lt publication.

"We unequivocally condemn the aggression against Ukraine and during every prayer, we pray for the speedy end of this bloody war, as well as for the people, government, and army of the Republic of Lithuania. The Lithuanian Orthodox Church at all levels has condemned the war in Ukraine," Metropolitan Innokenty stated.

The hierarch mentioned that while he is a member of the WRPC, his participation was formal, but now, due to the anti-war position upheld by Lithuania as well, he is leaving this organization.

As reported by the UOJ, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church condemned the final document of the World Russian People's Council, in which the war in Ukraine was called "sacred", adding that after its conclusion, Ukraine should "enter the zone of exclusive influence of Russia."

Read also

Orthodox and Catholic bishops make joint visit to Mount Athos

The head of the Phanar blessed a joint pilgrimage to Mount Athos by Roman Catholic and Orthodox bishops.

UOC Kryvyi Rih Eparchy marks 30th anniversary

Metropolitan Yefrem led the anniversary Divine Liturgy in Kryvyi Rih.

Ostapenko: Everyone in UCCRO feels fine except the “FSB UOC”

The director of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra National Reserve called the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches “a wonderful organization.”

Khmelnytskyi Eparchy donates funds for treatment of 12-year-old girl

UOC believers raised UAH 20,000 for Anastasiia Mamchur as part of an eparchial charity campaign.

Shevchuk: We had to convince world UOC ban does not violate religious freedom

The UGCC head claims that by banning the UOC, the state is not violating religious freedom but merely protecting the Church’s faithful from Moscow propaganda.

Lavra reserve head estimates damage to Dormition Cathedral at €15 million

Maksym Ostapenko said restoring the Dormition Cathedral would take at least a couple of years and require major funding.