In Zdolbuniv, MPs deprive UOC of all land plots

The Zdolbuniv City Council. Photo: Facebook of the Zdolbuniv City Council

On 12 April 2023, members of the Zdolbuniv City Council (Rivne region – Ed.) voted to ban the UOC and deprive the church of all land plots, reports the press service of the Rivne Eparchy.

As many as 18 out of 21 MPs present at the meeting voted in favour of the appeal.

The eparchy said that two priests of the Rivne Eparchy of the UOC, who are also deputies of the Zdolbuniv City Council, left the hall before the vote began.

According to the archpriest Vasyl Nachiv, the local authorities have no right to consider the issue of banning confessions in wartime.

"Regarding the land, the leases you want to break, with reference to which law should you do so? The events described in the Gospel in these Holy Days, they are identical to what is happening today in our country, in this session hall," he said before the session began.

At the same time, the archpriest Yuriy Shevchuk also addressed the deputies. Before the session began, he urged his colleagues on the City Council not to "bring persecution against the people living in our city". The priest stressed that voting to ban the UOC and deprive it of land would not bring public and religious peace.

As reported, Neteshyn authorities banned UOC operations in the town and deprived the Church of the right to use the land.

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