Lithuanian lawmakers propose transferring six Orthodox churches to Constantinople without the consent of clergy or parishioners
Lithuanian lawmakers have introduced a bill to transfer six Orthodox churches to the jurisdiction of the Constantinople Exarchate. Neither the clergy nor the parishioners have agreed to the move.
Some may think this could happen only in Moldova or Kyiv. However, the same pattern can be seen elsewhere, according to the author, wherever governments are influenced by London or Brussels.
First, the importance of Orthodoxy as a traditional religion is played down. It is then presented as just one faith among many newly emerging Uniate, Baptist and other Protestant movements. Next, authorities claim that Orthodoxy threatens national or state security. Finally, the state moves against the religion that has long been part of the nation’s identity. Public protests, the author argues, are ignored.
The article claims that these governments rely on Western sponsors rather than their own people. It also argues that security forces and NGOs help suppress public dissent, including online.
But let us return to Lithuania.
Conservative lawmakers Audronius Ažubalis and Arvydas Anušauskas have registered two bills. The first would strip the Orthodox Church of Lithuania of its status as a traditional religious community. This could affect its property and legal standing.
The second bill would transfer six church properties to the Constantinople Exarchate. They include the Cathedral of the Dormition, St. Paraskeva Church and the Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Vilnius. The proposed changes are due to take effect on January 1, 2027.
Believers quickly responded. Monks from the Monastery of the Holy Spirit and parishioners of St. Paraskeva Church submitted complaints to the Seimas, Lithuania’s parliament.
In their appeal, the monks stated:
“The brotherhood categorically disagrees with any initiatives or actions that, based on political suspicions and fabricated accusations, could lead
