Bohdan: UOC's withdrawal from Lavra will not strengthen national security
Olena Bogdan. Photo: dialogtut.org
The former head of the State Service for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience, Olena Bohdan, has said that since the political course for "spiritual independence" was proclaimed on December 1, many UOC believers naturally feel betrayed by their state. She wrote about this in an article posted on the website Dialogtut.
"True spiritual independence has a very different face – more honest, thoughtful and human," she writes.
Olena Bohdan notes that loud headlines full of hatred for the UOC do not reflect the complex uncomfortable truth of Ukrainian Orthodoxy, but create dangerous illusions that sink our society deeper into absurdity and pose serious risks in the long term. This includes risks to national security.
Commenting on the government's order to vacate the territory of the Kyiv Cave Monastery until March 29, Olena Bohdan said that if the UOC is forced to change its location, the unity of Ukrainian Orthodoxy will not come and the national security of Ukraine will not be strengthened.
As reported, the former head of the State Ethnopolitics Committee earlier warned that the church issue in Ukraine could turn into a tragedy.
Read also
DESS draws parallels between liquidation of UGCC and present day
An event in Kyiv marked the 80th anniversary of the Lviv Council, at which a decision was taken to dissolve the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.
Bulgarian Church warns of sectarian threat after mass suicide
The Lovech Eparchy of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church has issued a warning following the tragedy of a mass suicide involving sect members near the Petrohan Pass.
UN reports violations of rights of believers and communities in Ukraine
A UN document points to pressure on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, attempts to ban it through the courts, and cases of forcible church seizures.
Middle East Council of Churches calls for protection of Christians in the region
Christian churches in the Middle East warned of growing threats to the region’s Christian communities and a worsening humanitarian crisis in Lebanon, urging the international community to step up support.
Albanian Archbishop: First in Orthodoxy does not mean supreme
The head of the Albanian Church spoke to UOJ about Orthodox unity, the limits of national identity, and the role of humility in Orthodoxy’s witness to the world.
Poland begins phasing out social benefits for Ukrainian refugees
A new law has taken effect in Poland providing for a gradual reduction in social benefits and some other support measures introduced for Ukrainian refugees after 2022.