Skopje, 30 August 2022 (MIA) - The Holy Synod of Bishops (SAS) of the Macedonian Orthodox Church - Ohrid Archbishopric (MOC - OA) at a session Tuesday welcomed the decision of the Russian Orthodox Church to recognize MOC-OA's autocephaly. "The Holy Synod with great joy and gratitude learned of the news of the recognition of the autocephaly of the Macedonian Orthodox Church - Ohrid Archbishopric by the Russian Orthodox Church at a session of the church synod on August 25, 2022, inscribing the name of its Head, His Holiness, Archbishop of Ohrid and Macedonia, Stefan in the sacred diptych," the Holy Synod of Bishops says in a statement. Also, the Synod of the Macedonian Orthodox Church thanks all other local Orthodox churches for accepting the act of the Patriarchate of Constantinople. "At the same time, the Synod urges not to harm the process of recognition of the autocephaly status of the Macedonian Orthodox Church - Ohrid Archbishopric through malicious comments and incomplete distorted information by so called experts and analysts," says the statement.