SCOBA Hierarchs Appeal For Archbishop Jovan's Release From Prison

12/19/2006

Press Release
December 19, 2006


SCOBA HIERARCHS APPEAL FOR
ARCHBISHOP JOVAN'S RELEASE FROM PRISON


New York - The Hierarchs of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA) expressed at their meeting today their bond of brotherly love with Archbishop Jovan of Ochrid and condemned his second imprisonment by the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).

We continue to be grieved by the imprisonment of this Hierarch of the Orthodox Church, the disregard for his physical maladies, and the violation of his human rights, with negative implications for the faithful of his Archdiocese.

It is well known that Archbishop Jovan was previously acquitted of the charges against him. Nevertheless, he is imprisoned again.

We, the Hierarchs of SCOBA justifiably expect the appropriate authorities of FYROM to take the steps necessary to free Archbishop Jovan from prison. We also call upon our government of the United States of America to facilitate the implementation of his release.

Contact: SCOBA Office
8 East 79th Street
New York, NY 10021
Tel: 212/570-3593