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
Dumenko: The enemy has destroyed Ukranian liturgical language for centuries
Epifaniy assured that "imperial invaders" burned Ukrainian liturgical literature.
TRC releases previously detained priest of UOC's Ovruch Eparchy
Believers are thanked for their support and prayers.
Vance: A broken culture tends to turn young people into androgynous idiots
U.S. Vice President stated that modern society seeks to erase differences between genders, shaping people "who think the same, talk the same, and act the same."
In Volyn, UOC priests receive gratitude from AFU for volunteering
The clergy noted that they have always been supported by parishioners and communities willing to share their last resources.
Vance: We don't worry about earthly rewards but how we're doing before God
The Vice President of America shared that he is doing his best to follow God’s will.
Vance: Death is a bad thing, but losing your soul is much more terrible
"The fundamental tenant of the Christian faith is that the Son of God became man, He died and then He raised Himself from the dead," the U.S. Vice President reminded Americans.