Cabinet appoints Viktor Yelensky as head of State Ethnopolitics Service
Viktor Yelensky meeting with DESS staff. Photo: dess.gov.ua
On December 19, 2022, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine approved Viktor Yelensky as the head of the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience (DESS), according to a report on the agency's official website.
Introducing the new head to the DESS staff, Cabinet Minister Oleg Nemchinov emphasized that the President and the government pay special attention to state policy in the field of religion, considering its importance in the context of Ukraine’s European integration.
Viktor Yelensky congratulated the DESS employees and expressed hope for fruitful cooperation.
The new DESS head is a religious scholar, publicist, and politician, holding a Doctor of Philosophy degree and having served as a Member of Parliament in Ukraine’s VIII convocation.
Reminder: On December 6, the Cabinet of Ministers dismissed the previous DESS head, Olena Bohdan, and elevated the status of the agency, placing it directly under the Cabinet's authority.
As previously reported by the UOJ, media sources have described the newly appointed head of DESS as an active opponent of the UOC.
Read also
Authorities expect up to 2 million Ukrainians to return home after war
The Ukrainian government states that it can create conditions for the return of millions of the country's citizens from abroad.
"Muslims only" rental adverts appear in London
In London, media have uncovered facts of discrimination against non-Muslims in housing rental.
Custom of "decorating crosses" in Ternopil region recognized as cultural heritage
The Ministry of Culture has included the tradition of "decorating crosses" in the village of Monastyrok in the National List of Intangible Heritage.
Israel appoints special envoy for dialogue with Christian world
Israel has established a new diplomatic position to restore relations with Christians following a series of high-profile scandals.
Youth in a UGCC cathedral study the “shared values” of Catholicism and Islam
Uniates organized a dialogue between Christian and Muslim youth.
Unknown assailants attack Serbian Orthodox cathedral in Zagreb
The Zagreb-Ljubljana Metropolis has called on the country’s authorities to stop the language of hatred after a nighttime attack on its cathedral.