Odessa Diocese Called Not to Silence the Murder of a Monk at the Lavra
The UOC diocese stated that hate speech against believers creates an environment for real violence.
The Odessa Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church called for a public and legal assessment of the murder of monk Varsonofiy at the Holy Dormition Sviatohirsk Lavra. This is stated in an address by the diocese's press service.
The diocese emphasized that the tragedy must not be silenced, and those responsible must face punishment as provided by law.
«Of particular concern is the hate speech that inflames hostility between people. Words have consequences. When the humiliation, insults, and demonization of an entire religious community become commonplace, it creates a dangerous environment in which hatred can escalate into real violence», – the statement reads.
Any manifestations of violence and hatred on religious grounds, the diocese added, must also receive proper public and legal assessment.
The Odessa Diocese expressed condolences to the brotherhood of the Sviatohirsk Lavra and to the relatives of the deceased monk, and also called for prayers for the repose of his soul and for the recovery of the two wounded monks.
«Words have consequences», – the diocese concluded, calling for an end to the spread of enmity and hatred.
As the UOJ reported, Robert Amsterdam demands an investigation into the murder of a monk at the Sviatohirsk Lavra.
