President: We should raise awareness among believers
"Honorary acting spiritual mentor" of the OCU Filaret Denisenko and President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko
The process of transfer of believers to the “Orthodox Church of Ukraine” is already unstoppable, but in order to prevent mistakes, it is very important to raise believers’ awareness, “UNIAN” cites the words of President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko.
The president urged supporters of the OCU to avoid violence.
“I want to warn the individual radicals who tomorrow will go to take away temples. This mustn’t be done. You take the churches not from Moscow, but from the community. We need to work with the community. It is necessary to convince them and explain: if there is already a canonical Ukrainian church, why should you wander somewhere, go to us,” Poroshenko said at a meeting with teachers and students of Ternopol higher schools.
According to the President, the Kremlin is interested in religious war and bloodshed.
“Those who wanted to attract “titushki”(tough guys – Ed.) and old women in red headscarves failed. Let the Ukrainians choose their own way to God, and they will do it,” Poroshenko concluded his speech.
Read also
Facts of persecution against UOC included in world's human rights report
The Amnesty International report points to pressure on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and criticism from UN experts.
Greek cleric rebukes deputy during Liturgy for supporting LGBT law
In Larissa, a cleric of the Church of Greece accused parliament of betraying Christian ideals.
Anglican Church of Wales approves rite for blessing same-sex couples
The governing body of the Church in Wales has approved a permanent rite for blessing same-sex unions – the decision has already been criticized by orthodox Anglicans, and an outflow of believers is expected.
Radomyshl City Council wants to seize St. Nicholas Cathedral of UOC through court
The Radomyshl City Council filed a lawsuit demanding recognition of the UOC St. Nicholas Cathedral as communal property due to the absence of a registered owner.
Greek Primate condemns desecration of Christ statue in Lebanon
Archbishop Ieronymos stated that violence against holy sites is unacceptable and called for peace following the incident involving damage to a statue of Christ in southern Lebanon.
Netherlands Ministry of Education urges not to use terms "father" and "mother"
In the Netherlands, officials have been recommended to abandon the words "father" and "mother", suggesting to replace them with formulations within the framework of inclusivity policy and consideration for LGBT families.