UOC lawyer: Church can be renamed only by its Bishops’ Council
Head of the Law Department of the UOC Protopriest Alexander Bakhov
Only its governing body, the Holy Synod of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, and certainly not the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, can be in a position to rename the canonical Church, Protopriest Alexander Bakhov, head of the Law Department of the UOC, said on Facebook.
“Even if this law enters into force, this does not mean that the UOC and its parishes, monasteries and eparchies automatically lose their names,” the lawyer wrote.
He stressed that the Ukrainian Orthodox Church was registered under its current name by the state authorities.
Any attempts by government authorities to force a religious union (the Church) to change its name are illegal, added Protopriest Alexander. He stressed that even if they try to implement the renaming by adopting relevant laws, international law evaluates such actions as interference in the internal affairs of a religious group.
Bill No. 5309 foresees amendments to the Law of Ukraine “On Freedom of Conscience and Religious Organizations” regarding the name of religious organizations (associations) that are incorporated into (form part of) a religious organization (association) whose governing center (administration) is located outside Ukraine in the country that, according to the Law of Ukraine, is recognized as carrying out military aggression against Ukraine and / or temporarily occupied part of the territory of Ukraine.”
Read also
UOC's Social Department reports on aid provided during 1000 days of war
Millions of hryvnias in financial aid and hundreds of tons of humanitarian assistance were provided during this period.
On 1000th day of war, UOC opens exhibition dedicated to Church's mission
Before the exhibition's opening, a memorial service was held for those who perished and died during the war, as well as a prayer service for AFU soldiers and for Ukraine.
Zelensky on the Church: The era of those who sanctify terror is over
The President stated that in Ukraine, there is dialogue between the state and all religious communities.
Satanic show to be held in Prague as a counter to St. Nicholas feast
Terrifying creatures will scare children instead of giving them gifts.
Papal Nuncio in Kyiv: War is from the devil, it makes no sense
Visvaldas Kulbokas believes the Church's mission is to call for the urgent need to end the war.