Archbishop Viсtor: UOC-banning laws is an obstacle to European integration
Bishop Victor (Kotsaba). Photo: politica.com.ua
Vicar of the Kyiv Metropolis Archbishop Victor (Kotsaba) said that the laws banning the UOC will become an obstacle to European integration, politica.com.ua reports.
According to him, these laws will be successfully challenged in international institutions.
“Now the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine is preparing to consider 4 bills aimed at restricting the rights of believers and liquidating the UOC. Although they do not directly mention the UOC, the accompanying documents to the bills show the opposite. Their content is striking in the level of legal nihilism and inconsistency with the principles of international law. For example, a bill submitted by MP N. Kniazhytsky from Eurosolidarity proposes to monopolize the word ‘Orthodox’ for the OCU and not to use it in the title without its permission. That is, if you have not received permission or do not belong to the OCU, you will not have the right to call yourself Orthodox,” said the hierarch of the UOC.
“Of course, such legislative initiatives will not have support in the respected international community, they will be successfully challenged in international institutions and will become a significant obstacle to European integration,” he added.
As previously reported by the UOJ, the hierarch of the UOC said it is impossible to combine the prosperity of Ukraine with the ban on the Church.
Read also
In Odesa region, Jehovah's Witness sentenced to three years for draft evasion
A resident of the Odesa region who practices the religion of Jehovah's Witnesses received a real prison sentence due to his refusal to perform military service based on his convictions.
Metropolitan Theodosiy explains why persecutions benefit the Church
The bishop called not to justify evil but to see in trials an opportunity to achieve humility and love – the goals of Christian life.
Court finds Metropolitan Theodosiy guilty
The court found Metropolitan Theodosiy of Cherkasy guilty of inciting inter-religious hatred.
Foreign Minister congratulates Dumenko and presents him with valuable watch
Dumenko discussed with the Foreign Minister the role of the OCU during wartime and the significance of the Tomos of Autocephaly.
Kherson Holy Spirit Cathedral of UOC shelled again
Shells damaged the church roof, the bell tower and the chapel. The eparchial administration buildings also suffered from shelling.
Greek authorities to close illegal mosques in Athens
A large-scale inspection of religious sites has begun in Athens, during which authorities intend to close around 60 mosques operating without permits