“the priest expressed hope that conditions would improve in the future and that society would not forget the needs of its poorest citizens

“endured imprisonment, contempt, hunger, and want, but didn’t fall into despair, instead being strengthened through prayer and hope in God.

“the UOC continues to live and carry out its ministry despite the pressure

“many other clergy and laypeople regularly brave floodwaters to help affected communities

“the Church does not regard this moment as one of despair, but as a testimony to the victory of life

“Even in the most difficult times of crisis, they turned directly to divine providence, to God. We see that during the deportations, those who suffered had great trust in God, and it was precisely in this context that they managed to survive.

“his Church had “diminished itself” by granting autocephaly, only to receive a “cup of ingratitude” in return

Patriarch Bartholomew ›

head of the Ecumenical Patriarchate

Reported

“they overcame hatred, revenge and malice through the merciful love of Christ