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
Dumenko holds "service" at seized UOC church in Boyarka
On September 29, the head of the OCU performed a "divine service" at St. Michael's Church in Boyarka and rewarded the raider-rector.
UOC hierarchs mark 30th anniversary of Holovchyntsi Convent's revival
UOC bishops and clergy of the eparchy congratulated the abbess of the Transfiguration Convent and her sisters on the memorable date.
UOC cleric discusses life of Ukrainian parishes with Hungarian official
A UOC priest and a Hungarian official paid particular attention to issues of practical interaction between Ukrainian parishes and government authorities.
Ukrposhta issues stamp featuring Lavra for Soviet-era reserve's anniversary
The new postal block, issued in a print run of 40,000 copies, depicts the Lavra's churches, bell tower, and ancient frescoes.
Met. Theodosiy links his criminal case to ex-prosecutor named in NABU tapes
A Cherkasy court extended Metropolitan Theodosiy’s preventive measure for another two months – until November 29, 2026.
Stefanchuk: Seeking UCCRO-LGBT compromise on new Civil Code
The Verkhovna Rada speaker said the working group is seeking a broad public compromise as it revises the draft of the new Civil Code.