Yelensky assures that UOC ban will not violate believers’ rights
Viktor Yelensky believes that the destruction of the UOC will not affect its believers in any way. Photo: "Suspilne"
The head of the State Ethnopolitics Service, Viktor Yelensky, assured on the air of Svoboda Live that the adoption of the bill banning the Ukrainian Orthodox Church would not affect the rights of its believers.
According to him, the law "pursues the goal to stop the influence on Ukrainians of the Moscow Patriarchate".
"We are talking about stopping this influence, about dismantling the structures of the Moscow Patriarchate. But in no case is it about people who previously belonged to this Church being unable to practice their faith and express their religious feelings in a dignified way," said Viktor Yelensky. Yelensky did not explain how exactly the parishioners of the UOC will be able to practice their faith if the authorities intend to close their churches (or forcibly transfer them to the OCU).
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.