Persecution of TOC of Serbia Continues
by Vladimir Moss
The persecution of the True Orthodox Church of Serbia (under the omophorion of Archbishop Chrysostom (Kiousis) of Athens) continues.
In the summer of 2005 the Serbian patriarchate attempted to obtain an order for the destruction of a women's convent that the TOC had built in a very remote spot 30 kilometres from any civilization in the mountains of Eastern Serbia. Fortunately, the attempt failed in the courts. Now the local bishop of the official church, Justin, has made another attempt, alleging that the building of this monastery in his diocese is not legal. Once again the local courts dismissed the charge and released our Abbess Euphrosyne. However, Justin is now appealing to the higher court. If he succeeds this time, Abbess Euphrosyne could go to prison for three years. Fortunately, our Church has a very good lawyer who is so appalled by the behaviour of the official church that he is offering his services free.
All True Orthodox Christians are asked to pray for Abbess Euphrosyne and the Monastery of St. John the Baptist (New Stejnik), which is continuing to receive applications both from abroad and in Serbia in spite of the persecution.