ROC spokesman: Taking away Pochaev Lavra, authorities intimidate believers

Head of the ROC Synodal Department for Church Relations with Society and Mass Media Vladimir Legoyda

The actions of the state authorities of Ukraine against the Holy Dormition Pochaev Lavra are aimed at intimidating believers of the UOC, said Vladimir Legoyda, Chairman of the ROC Synodal Department for Church Relations with Society and Mass Media, on the official website of the Synodal Department.

He considers attacks on the Lavra by the authorities, whose term of office expires in a few months, “absolutely lawless and politically motivated”.

“The goal of these measures is blatant discrimination against believers of Ukraine, attempts to force them to make a religious choice in favour of a quasi-religious structure,” the ROC spokesman commented on the actions of the Ukrainian authorities against the Holy Dormition Pochaev Lavra.

He hopes that the law will triumph, and attempts to intimidate believers of the UOC and anti-religious persecution in Ukraine will stop thanks to the efforts of the world community.

On November 23, the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine cancelled the re-registration of the buildings of the Holy Dormition Pochayev Lavra.
 

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