The Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church in America has approved a statement on assisted suicide and euthanasiatranslated

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Yonkers, New York [OCA] – The Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America, meeting in the regular autumn session of 2026, November 2-4, at the Orthodox Theological Seminary "St. Vladimir", under the presidency of His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon, approved the declaration entitled "Christian End of our Life". The document addresses assisted suicide, euthanasia and end-of-life care.

Addressed to clergy, monks and the faithful, the statement reaffirms the Church's teaching on the sacredness of human life and offers pastoral guidance to those in pain, their families, caregivers and medical professionals.

"The dignity of the human person is not based on power, independence or utility," the hierarchs emphasize. "It is founded on the image of God, which is as present in the man on his deathbed as in the one enjoying perfect health."

The statement states that assisted suicide and euthanasia cannot receive the blessing of the Church. At the same time, the document distinguishes between these practices and the appropriate measures for pain relief,…