In Chernovtsy, OCU members picket the office of a lawyer who defends UOC
Picket participants. Photo: “Molodyi Bukovynets”
On May 23, 2019, in Chernovtsy, about 50 “clerics” and the laity of the OCU picketed the office of attorney Petro Poliak, who represented the interests of the UOC in court, the “Molodyi Bukovynets” online edition reports.
The picket participants were holding posters with the inscriptions: “Putin’s lawyers”, “Orthodox Bukovina for justice”, “The Moscow Patriarchate’s money does not smell”.
“You understand that by virtue of your advocacy, you have no right to take the other side, the side of the competitors of the people who hired you to do business. But we ask and urge you to remember that when it comes to moral changes in society, we do not have the right either to stick to neutrality or to take the side of people who are destroying our homeland,” said one of the OCU members.
He urged lawyers "not to help the Moscow Patriarchate keep parishes in Moscow captivity".
“We know that you are helping the Moscow Patriarchate to open criminal proceedings against patriots, against the priests who want the Moscow Patriarchate to cease in their village and the whole community to transfer to the OCU”, the “clergyman” of the new church structure accused the human rights activists.
The "clergy" of the OCU called Poliak and assured that he was supposedly "with them spiritually."
The UOJ Editorial Board reminds: in case of violation of the rights of the episcopate, clergy, laity and institutions of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (obstruction of worship, seizure of churches, commission of provocations and pressure, threats, etc.), one should immediately contact the Legal Department of the UOC by phone: 097- 537-55-96.
Read also
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.
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.
Great Britain bans entry to US activist for criticizing Islam and migration
A US activist has been banned from entering the UK following controversial statements about migration, national sovereignty, and criticism of Islam.
UOC eparchies hold charitable actions throughout Ukraine at Easter
Believers and clergy of the UOC provided humanitarian aid to military personnel, displaced persons, hospitals and those in need throughout Ukraine.
Culture Ministry holds identity forum in Lavra’s Refectory Church
The authorities used the Lavra’s Refectory Church to discuss questions of “identity as connectedness.”