Metropolitan Filaret urges to investigate arson of church in Lviv

On June 22, 2022, Metropolitan Filaret of Lviv and Galicia addressed representatives of the state authorities, law enforcement agencies and the public about the second arson of the church in the Sykhiv residential district, reports the press service of the Lviv Eparchy.

“It is obvious that the light of Christ's faith has not yet enlightened the people who committed this crime. It is obvious that their souls need a special prayer for them because a believing heart cannot induce the mind to burn the places of special residence of the grace of God. Unfortunately, during the existence of this parish and the temple building, its rector and parishioners have suffered a lot of harm, both moral and material,” Vladyka said.

Metropolitan Filaret stressed that today, when the state is in a state of war, all believers of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church pray for the military, for the granting of victory, peace, health and prosperity to all citizens.

“A special prayer for Ukraine is also heard in St. Vladimir’s Church in Sykhiv, because the relatives of the parishioners of this religious community, as well as the faithful of other denominations, defend our land with weapons in their hands, servicing in the AFU,” the hierarch added.

According to him, in a country seeking to become a member of the European Union, in no case should such barbaric acts be allowed.

“We ask representatives of the state authorities and law enforcement agencies to treat this event as one that can lead to incitement of interfaith hatred and to conduct an investigation into this crime as soon as possible,” the statement says.

In addition, the head of the Lviv Eparchy called on all citizens who call themselves believers to resolve all issues exclusively in the constitutional field, through a constructive dialogue based on the principles of mutual respect and Christian love.

As reported, St Vladimir’s Church in Lviv has been repeatedly attacked by vandals, and on the night of June 19-20, 2022, it was set on fire.

As reported, the mayor of Lviv, Andriy Sadovyi, expressed surprise at the resonance caused by the arson of the church. “No one died, nothing burned inside, and everyone is talking about it,” he said.

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