Shevchuk is "worried" about the possibility of banning UOC
Head of the UGCC Sviatoslav Shevchuk. Photo: radiosvoboda.org
Sviatoslav Shevchuk, head of the UGCC, has said that he is "worried" about the possible ban of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, as it is not just a "legal organisation", but first and foremost people. He said this in an interview with Il Foglio, published on the UGCC website.
Shevchuk said that when communicating with representatives of the authorities, he repeatedly "emphasised the fundamental basis of the Churches-state relationship".
According to him, the state should approach religious issues with great sensitivity but should also "guarantee its national security".
Shevchuk also believes that the UOC "isolated itself from society" because it celebrated Christmas on 7 January, not 25 December, as the government did.
"Certain measures taken by the Ukrainian authorities against the Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate reflect the request of Ukrainian civil society," he added.
As reported, the head of the Phanar led the Christmas service in the "Russian" community in Istanbul.
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.