President promises not to sign anti-church bill

On September 7, the President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko, in his address to the Verkhovna Rada deputies, said that he would not sign the bill, according to which the candidatures of bishops should be agreed with the state bodies.

This is bill No. 4511.

"Separately, I want to emphasize that I will not sign the bill that proposes to agree on the candidatures of bishops and priests by state bodies," the President said. "It's not a matter of the state. Other legislative initiatives I am ready to be discussed."

In his address, Poroshenko said that "the Ukrainian state is separated from the Church", but "Ukraine has the right to the Local Church", and said that he personally wrote a message to the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew about this.

Also, the President's speech did not touch upon bills No. 4128 and No. 5309 directed against the UOC.

Read also

Ukrposhta issues stamp featuring Lavra for Soviet-era reserve's anniversary

The new postal block, issued in a print run of 40,000 copies, depicts the Lavra's churches, bell tower, and ancient frescoes.

Met. Theodosiy links his criminal case to ex-prosecutor named in NABU tapes

A Cherkasy court extended Metropolitan Theodosiy’s preventive measure for another two months – until November 29, 2026.

Stefanchuk: Seeking UCCRO-LGBT compromise on new Civil Code

The Verkhovna Rada speaker said the working group is seeking a broad public compromise as it revises the draft of the new Civil Code.

Rabbi thanks SBU for arresting Ukrainian over antisemitic threats

Moshe Azman called for those who incite religious hatred to be held accountable, warning that the line between online threats and real-world violence can be very thin.

Pochaiv Lavra calls for fasting ahead of Kyiv Metropolia court hearing

The Pochaiv Lavra Spiritual Council called on the faithful to unite in prayer and fasting from October 5 through 7.

Russian strike damages Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Sumy for fourth time

One of the aerial bombs struck the cemetery in Sumy, causing extensive damage to the church’s facade, roof and interior.