UKRAINIAN AUTOCEPHALOUS ORTHODOX
PLEDGE SPIRITUAL SOLIDARITY WITH GEORGIA
UAOC Condemns Russian Invasion

Bishop Paul Peter Jesep, the USA spokesperson for the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church (UAOC), Ukraine's third largest Orthodox Church, issued a statement condemning the Russian invasion of Georgia.

"All Orthodoxy must stand with their Georgian sisters and brothers to denounce the Russian invasion of a peaceful, democratic people in an ancient, non-Russian land," Bishop Jesep said. "This is not a complicated, international political matter. Russia has invaded a democracy. Georgia, by its committed example to liberty, is a threat to Moscow. World Orthodoxy has a duty to stand with Georgia."

His Eminence, Metropolitan Mykhayil, UAOC Metropolitan of New York and America also expressed his concern over the violation of the inalienable rights of Georgia and its people and noted Ukraine's response to the Russian problem:

«Ukrainian president, Viktor Yushchenko has already signed an order which imposes new restrictions on Russia's fleet in the Black Sea port-city of Sevastopol. This action by the president sends a strong message to the Russians about the seriousness of both Ukrainian and Georgian sovreigntry. Also, in an act of solidarity, a joint delegation from Ukraine, Poland and several Baltic states has been sent to the Gerogian capital of Tbilisi. The church in Ukraine should and must make similar gestures by using the voice of Christian sensibility and the obligation to identify with the oppressed and to speak out against oppressors. From its historical experience, the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church knows very well, the dangers and consequences of Russian triumphalism.»

Bishop Jesep concluded by saying, "God bless Georgia, her people, and President Mikheil Saakashvili now and always. Ukrainian Orthodoxy is one with our Georgian sisters and brothers."

Related articles:

Hold on, Brother Nation of Gerogia! (in Ukrainian)
Where were you when they crucified Georgia?
Russian military move deeper into Georgia