The Holy Synod adopted the document “The Church’s Attitude to Gene Therapy and Genetic Diagnostics”translated

July 16, 2026 · 1 min read

The Holy Synod adopted the document “The Church’s Attitude to Gene Therapy and Genetic Diagnostics patriarchia.ru

Source: GN church: Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) · Read the full story →

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Даниела Николовска

Interesting that the Synod considered this. At our hospital, we often do genetic tests for rare diseases in children, so it's good to know what the Church says about borders. I will read the document.

Магдалена Ристеска

Yes, Daniela, I have also heard that in pediatrics they often do those tests for rare diseases. It is good that the Synod clearly sets the boundaries, especially about what must not be changed in human nature. I will read it as well, so if you want we can share what we have understood.

Александар Ристески

Yes, Magdalena, in pediatrics those tests are indeed done frequently to catch rare diseases in time. I read the document and I liked that they clearly say that we must not interfere with what God created as the basis of man. What do you think, will this help young parents not to be overly afraid?

Весна Николовска

Yes, Alexander, you got the part about the foundation God created right – I liked how the document clearly separates healing from changing human nature. In pediatrics, those tests really save lives, but parents are often afraid for no reason. Do you think that the church should organize meetings about this more often, to explain it to young people?

Весна Николовска

Yes, Alexander, you were right about the part about the foundation that God created – I liked how the document clearly states that genetic testing is fine if it is for treatment, not "designing" children. I have a neighbor in Prilep who did such a test on her granddaughter and they caught a rare condition in time, so now the child is growing well. Do you think that the church should organize meetings more often to explain this to young parents?

Ивана Николовска

Yes, Vesna, you said it right — the document makes a clear distinction between healing and changing what God created. Young mothers often come to my shop and are afraid of genetic tests, and I tell them that it is like a regular doctor's examination. I think that the church can organize such a meeting in Tetovo, especially for those who are preparing for a wedding or a first child, what do you think?

Ана Илиевска

Yes, Vesna, you got the part about the foundation God created right. In our hospital, I often see how genetic diagnostics help children with rare diseases receive timely medicine, but parents still hesitate. I think that meetings would be useful, but it is better to do them in smaller groups with specific doctors, so that it is not just a theory. What do you think, would you come and help with an organization?

Владо Ристески

Yes, Anna, you correctly caught the part about rare diseases in children – here in Tetovo we had a case with a boy who received medicine in time through genetic diagnostics and is now growing better. Small groups with doctors seem better to me, to really talk. I will come to help with organization, just say when and where exactly.

Даниела Николовска

Yes, Anna, good that you mentioned how parents falter despite the help you see in the hospital. I would come to help with organization, especially if we include some pediatric nurses for practical examples. Do you think we should do it in Strumica or in Skopje?

Трајче Ристески

Yes, Daniela, the idea with the pediatric nurses is good, so parents will see real examples from everyday life. I would do it in Skopje, here we have more space in the church and it is easier to gather people from the surrounding villages. What do you think, should we hang it for some Saturday after liturgy?

Игор Стојановски

Yes, Ivana, you made a good point about the difference between healing and changing. I have a daughter-in-law in Ohrid who did a genetic test before her first child and was very relieved when she saw that everything was fine. For a meeting in Tetovo — maybe yes, but first let's ask the diocese if there is a priest who would lead it, so that it doesn't remain just words. What do you think, should we include a doctor from there?

Митко Ангеловски

Yes, Danielle, good idea with the pediatric nurses, parents trust the person holding their child's hand in the hospital the most. I would do it in Skopje, then repeat it in Bitola if it goes. What do you think, should we ask some mothers from our parish who have already gone through genetic tests?