Vladimir Yavorivsky: Authorities plan to ban the UOC and transfer Kiev-Pechersk Lavra to Kiev Patriarchate

Ukrainian authorities have introduced to the Verkhovna Rada a bill on the prohibition of the legal and actual activity of "Moscow Patriarchate" on the territory of Ukraine. This was stated by politician Vladimir Yavorivsky, reports EADaily.

By "Moscow Patriarchate" deputies mean the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

According to politician Vladimir Yavorivsky, the ex-deputy of the Verkhovna Rada from the "Block of Yulia Timoshenko," a parishioner of the self-proclaimed "Kiev Patriarchate", this is due to the fact that allegedly "the priests of the Moscow Patriarchate do not take a patriotic position, in particular, refuse to read the burial of soldiers killed in Donbass".

Besides, the alleged prohibition of activities of the UOC in Ukraine can be attributed to a recent initiative of the Ukrainian authorities to create in Ukraine the one local autocephalous church.

"Many politicians and public figures have offered not once to announce the Moscow Patriarchate a terrorist organization, as it was done in Russia, for example, with the party" Muslim Brotherhood ". But I do not think it would come to such radical formulations. As an experienced politician, I understand that religious wars are the most dangerous thing that can ever happen. I think that the Ukrainian government will act in a civilized way – explain to the Moscow Patriarchate that once its centre is in Moscow, it has nothing to do in Ukraine. There may be some long-established congregations of the UOC (MP) left if parishioners need them. But the UOC (MP) will be explained that the role it plays for Ukraine and Ukrainians is totally unacceptable ", stated Vladimir Yavorivsky.

Moreover, the politician said that the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, the ancient Orthodox shrine, is going to be taken away from the UOC and transfer to the Kiev Patriarchate. "As a parishioner of the Kiev Patriarchate, I know that this is being discussed in the Kiev city administration and the city council. All three Lavras of Ukraine – Kiev-Pechersk, Pochaev and Sviatogorsk – belong to the Moscow Patriarchate. Ukrainian authorities believe that it is extremely unfair," he said.

At the same time, the bishops and priests of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church do not only read the burial service of fallen soldiers in Donbass, but also spiritually guide ATO combatants. Moreover, they provide material support for Ukrainian soldiers and families of the fallen, send humanitarian aid including food and medicine, which has been repeatedly stated by the head of the UOC.

Read also