Verkhovna Rada Speaker: There are no votes in parliament to ban UOC
Ruslan Stefanchuk. Photo: Radio Liberty
Ruslan Stefanchuk said in an interview with Radio Liberty that a legislative proposal to ban the UOC is not being brought to the Verkhovna Rada because the required 226 votes for its adoption have not been secured.
"Parliament is a mechanism that makes decisions collectively. And I believe that as long as there are no 226 votes around such an important legislative act, presenting it to the floor, letting it fail just to please the Russian Federation, is simply meaningless and legally and politically irresponsible," Stefanchuk said.
According to him, he "really wants to believe" that he will see these 226 votes, but there is currently an internal discussion not only within the "Servant of the People" party but also in other parties that "position themselves as very patriotic".
"Why go far when within the faction we're talking about, there are former or current priests of this Church," Stefanchuk explained, adding that as soon as 226 votes are gathered, the Conciliation Council of the Rada will make a decision on the adoption of this law.
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.