Transcarpathians ask higher clergy to affect priests who “preach politics” (open letter)

Members of the regional public, in response to evidence of attempts to spread negative and even pro-Russian sentiment in the region by certain priests in Transcarpathia, drafted an open letter to the higher clergy. They stress that this is no time for politicizing spirituality.

"To Bishop Theodore, Archbishop of Mukachevo and Uzhgorod,

To Bishop Mark, Archbishop of Khust and Vynogradiv,
all honest fathers of the Orthodox Church of Moscow Patriarchate
who serve in Transcarpathia

OPEN LETTER

Christ is in our midst!

With deep respect for the right of Ukrainians to freedom of conscience and religion, we are forced to appeal to you, honest fathers, with great concern caused by the situation in our region.

Ukraine is going through difficult times! Many of our countrymen are protecting the independence of the country, civilians in the East. Many are called by the homeland for help again. A series of disturbances that disturbed the peace of the community in recent days proves that even in peaceful Transcarpathia, there are people who are called by enemy trumpets of those seeking to break our country in half, who can not stand the very thought of living according to the laws of the civilized world in a state of law.

We have repeatedly seen how some of the clergy of your patriarchy use holy temple walls, enormous credibility with holy fathers among the parishioners, in order to express dubious pleas and ideas.

Honest Fathers! This is no time for politicizing spirituality. National defense has always been a vital principle and main virtue of Christians, who live in Transcarpathia in peace and harmony, professing common Christian principles in churches of various denominations. Sowing wind, or even freeing space for it, we will inevitably face the storm, and not in the East, but in our land.

We are specifically appealing to honored bishops. Your high rank, moral principles and experience of a noble activity, that until now has been aimed at raising high spirituality of our countrymen, commands respect and admiration! Please ask your brothers in Christ to stop this negativity, which some of them spread among their flock. History and country remember their heroes, respect pastors and do not forget the enemies!

Relying on a complete understanding of the holy fathers, we ask for a blessing!"