Priest on persecution of UOC: This is only possible in totalitarian states

Archpriest Oleksandr Klymenko. Photo: a screenshot of the priest's YouTube channel

When asked by a journalist about the reaction of the Local Churches to the events around the UOC, Archpriest Oleksandr Klymenko noted that they (Churches – Ed.) are coming to their senses after the news about the fight with the Church in Ukraine. The priest said this at a press conference held at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra on December 15, 2022.

"For the European world of the last century this is nonsense, this is something unfamiliar neither in legal terms nor in state-religious relations. We understand that this could only happen in totalitarian states. And we see a dissonance between what our country declares in terms of European aspirations and what is actually happening," Fr Oleksandr added.

As reported, according to the expert, discrediting the UOC is contrary to Ukraine’s national interests.

Read also

U.S. House of Representatives passes ban on sex-change surgeries for minors

The lower house of Congress supported an initiative limiting medical interventions that could have irreversible consequences for the health of minors.

Armenian Church to appeal to international bodies over government pressure

The decision was made by the Supreme Spiritual Council in Etchmiadzin against the backdrop of criminal cases, pressure on the clergy, and the state's attempts to interfere in church life.

Pashinyan's supporters attempt to storm Etchmiadzin Cathedral in Armenia

The confrontation around the Armenian Apostolic Church intensified after rebellious hierarchs called for the Catholicos's resignation and attempted to exert forceful pressure in Etchmiadzin.

Persecuted community of Maliatyntsi celebrates first patronal feast after seizure

In Bukovyna, the faithful of the St. Nicholas community in the village of Maliatyntsi celebrated the Feast Day of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker of Myra in Lycia for the first time after the church seizure.

European authorities downplay scale of Christian persecution, report says

Human rights defenders reported an increase in attacks on believers in the EU and pointed out that official statistics do not reflect the real level of anti-Christian hostility.

Mukachevo Eparchy bishops congratulate orphaned children on St Nicholas Day

Metropolitan Theodore and Bishop Hilarion visited the “New Family” children’s shelter in Uzhhorod.