MP on storming UOC church in Kamyanets: Raiders are dividing the country

Artem Dmytruk. Photo: pravda.com.ua

On 20 August 2023, MP Artem Dmytruk commented on the attempted seizure of the Church of the Nativity of the Mother of God of the UOC in vlg. Dolzhok, a suburb of Kamyanets-Podilskyi.

The MP wrote on his Telegram that he finds it hard to believe that in a civilised state there is church raiding, attacks on priests and believers, and insulting believers' feelings.

He emphasised that all this is happening in "a state where there is a Constitution and its guarantor – the President of Ukraine, where law enforcement agencies are working".

"Why do in a warring country some youngsters beat people and seize the property of churches with impunity? Why do the police assist not the victims, but the attackers? Is it not enough for us to grieve from the aggressor who destroys our people and our temples? Why do the raiders cover themselves with pro-Ukrainian slogans?" the MP wonders.

In his opinion, the raiders "work against Ukraine and its people, split society and weaken the state, undermining our defence capability".

"Or have they been given the right to judge and punish?" Dmytruk asks.

He noted that "in wartime, you can only fight with the enemy, but as we see young and strong raiders, it is safer to fight with temples and peaceful citizens. While the best children of Ukraine are fighting at the front, someone is organising lawlessness in the rear."

"The stigma of violators of citizens’ rights and freedoms will be remembered worldwide for a long time. It is time to stop. Otherwise, the whole country will have to wash away the shame," the MP concluded.

As earlier reported, the storming of the temple in Dolzhok village involved people with satanic symbols on their clothes.

Read also

In Ukraine, Trump’s 'spiritual advisor' reassured of religious freedom

Pastor Mark Burns stated that Ukraine, despite the war, is a "beacon of religious freedom."

Lavra brethren congratulate Metropolitan Pavel on 31 years as abbot

The monks of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra have expressed hope that they will soon be able to pray again with their abbot.

Amsterdam: Intrusion into Lavra Caves – a return to Soviet-era persecution

International lawyer Robert Amsterdam has condemned the actions of Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture regarding the inspection of holy relics in the Caves of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, calling it a violation of religious freedom.

Over 20 EU states condemn Hungary for ban on LGBT propaganda among children

“This restricts the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression,” diplomats state in a joint declaration.

His Beatitude officiates consecration of Bishop of Rakhiv

At the Church of St. Agapitus in the Lavra, the Primate of the UOC ordained a vicar for the Khust Eparchy.

Met Victor: It is painful to see Lavra's relics turned into test subjects

According to the bishop, there is particular concern over how members of the scientific commission will handle the holy relics.