The Orthodox Church of Ukraine has no objections to vaccination. On the contrary, the priests serving with the OCU urge the faithful to vaccinate against coronavirus and adhere to quarantine restrictions, noting that this is one of the most effective methods of combating a pandemic.
This was stated in a video address by Archbishop Yevstratiy (Zorya) of Chernihiv and Nizhyn, published by the Ministry of Health.
Yevstratiy says disease prevention and realizing one’s own responsibility will help population avoid further spread of the coronavirus. According to the OCU hierarch, vaccination does not contradict the commandments of God and neither does it go in breach of the principles of the Christian faith.
The archbishop also said that everyone should remain vigilant and appreciate God’s gift of health. Coronavirus can be avoided by following simple rules. It is necessary to maintain social distancing, wear masks correctly, and sanitize hands and surfaces. The rules apply to both the clergy and those who come to temples.
In early December, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal of Ukraine thanked representatives of religious organizations for their constructive position in promoting the coronavirus vaccination process.
In March this year, the head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC), representatives of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) and Jewish communities got vaccinated for coronavirus during a live stream.
By setting an example, they showed that there are no religious obstacles to vaccination.
