Lithuanian Orthodox Church: We strongly condemn Russia's war against Ukraine

This is stated in the address of the Metropolitan of Vilnius and Lithuania Innocent, according to Reform.by.

On behalf of the Orthodox Church of Lithuania, he condemned Russia's aggression against Ukraine.

"Orthodox people of Lithuania took the tragedy of the people of Ukraine to their hearts. From the beginning of hostilities, the prayer for ending the war and restoring peace in Ukraine intensified in all Orthodox churches. The position of the Orthodox Church in Lithuania remains unchanged - we strongly condemn Russia's war against Ukraine and ask God to put an end to it as soon as possible," the appeal reads.

Metropolitan Innocent stressed that the views of Orthodox Lithuanians differ from those of Patriarch Kirill.

"His political statements about the war in Ukraine are nothing but his personal opinion. We in Lithuania disagree. I want to state openly that we, the Orthodox of Lithuania, having the opportunity to resolve our internal church affairs independently, will continue to strive for even greater independence, believing that God gives such an opportunity in due time," said the Metropolitan.

He also pointed out that Lithuania is a free democratic country and Orthodox parishioners are integral to Lithuanian society. The Metropolitan noted that 30 years ago, the Orthodox Church sided with the Lithuanian people, supporting their fight for independence.