UOC comments on requirements of National Police to follow Phanar's orders
According to the National Police, the decision of Patriarch of Bartholomew of Constantinople on the temporary suspension of services due to the coronavirus also applies to the UOC. Photo: narodna-pravda.ua
On March 27, 2020, the head of the Synodal Legal Department of the UOC, Archpriest Alexander Bakhov commented on the requirements of the National Police of Ukraine to comply with the decision of Patriarch of Bartholomew of Constantinople, who ordered to suspend services during the coronavirus quarantine.
“In their messages, the National Police, in particular, note: <...> we ask you to comply with the decision of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew as set out in the Communiqué of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of 18.03.2020, which says about the suspension of all divine liturgies, church events and rites in all its dioceses around the world to preserve the health and safety of the faithful of the UOC-MP,” reports the website of the UOC Legal Department.
In response, Archpriest Alexander Bakhov recalled that the Church is separate from the state, which means that no state authorities have the right to interfere in its internal life.
“According to the Constitution of Ukraine, the Church is still separated from the state. And neither the police nor any other public authority has the right to interfere in its internal affairs, let alone disseminate the decisions of an official of the Turkish Republic,” stressed the head of the UOC Legal Department.
He also expressed bewilderment over the contents of the Communique of the National Police, because if the OCU really received autocephaly, it itself should make such decisions.
“And here the spokespersons for the police speak about the blessing of Patriarch Bartholomew, which everyone should folllow. So, is the OCU autocephalous or not?” he concluded.
Earlier, Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople decided to suspend serving in all churches because of the coronavirus. He sent the corresponding decree to all dioceses of the Patriarchate of Constantinople.
Read also
UOC’s humanitarian mission delivers aid to Kherson and Donetsk regions
The Ukrainian Orthodox Church’s humanitarian mission provided food and medicines to residents of Kherson Region and frontline towns in Donbas.
Foreign Minister: Phanar is strengthening spiritual independence of Ukraine
Andrii Sybiha noted the “wisdom” and “fatherly love” of the head of the Constantinople Patriarchate.
In Pasika, Transcarpathia, priest defects to OCU while community remains in UOC
In the village of Paseka in Transcarpathia, believers discussed the future fate of their church.
In Sumy, Presentation Church of UOC damaged by shelling
In the Sumy Eparchy, the walls and fence of the Presentation Church were damaged as a result of shelling, but divine services continue.
Ukraine loses almost 98% of cases at European Court of Human Rights
According to the ECtHR’s 2025 report, nearly all complaints against Ukraine end with findings of human rights violations.
UOC Chancellor on Kyiv Council decision targeting UOC: Obvious lawlessness
Metropolitan Anthony said the document adopted by the Kyiv Regional Council violates the Constitution, interferes with freedom of religion, and exceeds the body’s authority.