Maj.-Gen. of Justice: ‘Hero of Ukraine’ title awarded to Filaret illegally
Major-General of Justice Vasily Vovk, the ex-head of the Main Investigation Department of the SBU and an expert on state security issues
The decree of the Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on awarding the title of the Hero of Ukraine to the "honorable acting spiritual mentor" of the OCU "Patriarch" Filaret Denisenko is illegal, Major-General of Justice Vasily Vovk, the ex-head of the Main Investigation Department of the SBU and an expert on state security issues, said in his blog on "Censor. Net".
"In accordance with the Statute of the Hero of Ukraine, the President of Ukraine is not empowered to make a decision on awarding the Hero of Ukraine title," wrote Vovk.
Major-General of Justice recalled that the President should receive a recommendation of the relevant bodies (the Verkhovna Rada, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine ... ministries ... and so on, their exhaustive list is given in the Statute) and the award sheet of the established model, and the nomination of the candidate for the title of the Hero of Ukraine is carried out at the place of work of the person.
It is noteworthy that V. Vovk even suggested a way to correct the situation.
"Proposal: To make by morning at least a recommendation by the Commission on State Awards and Heraldry under the President of Ukraine, which is contained in the list of authorized bodies," he concluded his post.
On January 8, 2019, President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko signed a decree on conferring the title of Hero of Ukraine to the "honorary acting spiritual mentor" of the newly-established church structure "Patriarch" Filaret Denisenko with an award of the Order of State.
Earlier, deputies of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine voted to include the anniversary of Filaret Denisenko in the list of memorable dates for 2019.
Read also
State Film Agency bans Ukrainian film "Prayer for Hetman Mazepa"
The film by renowned director Yuriy Illienko about Mazepa was banned due to the participation of an actor from the Russian Federation.
US state to introduce criminal liability for refusing to break confessional seal
The bill in Arizona could see priests facing felony charges if they fail to break the seal of confession after learning of child abuse during the sacrament.
Synod of Cyprus sets conditions for lifting Met. Tychikos' suspension
The Cypriot Synod linked the possible return of the hierarch to service with a number of requirements, including a written confession of faith and a refusal to appeal to a secular court.
Congresswoman takes control of possible takeover attempt in Kuzmyn
An American legislator responded to the appeal of UOC parishioners, publishing their video, and promising to seek accountability for attempts to seize churches.
OCU church in Kosmach cancels Christmas services due to calendar disputes
Disagreements over the date of Christmas celebrations in the Pre-Carpathian community have led to the services not taking place either in December or in January
Congresswoman: Zelensky waging war against his people over faith
An American legislator stated that Zelensky's policies have led to the persecution of believers and promised to respond to forceful actions against UOC parishes.