Zhytomyr region authorities ban UOC operations

Believers of the Zhytomyr Eparchy praying in the cathedral. Photo: the press service of the Zhytomyr Eparchy

Deputies of the Zhytomyr Regional Council at a regular meeting decided to ban the UOC, reports ukrinform.

In addition, the council adopted an appeal to the Verkhovna Rada to consider and as soon as possible adopt draft law No 8371 of 19 January 2023 "On Amendments to some laws of Ukraine concerning the activities of religious organizations" and No 8221 of 23 November 2022 "On ensuring national security in the field of freedom of conscience and activities of religious organizations".

Also, deputies of the Zhytomyr Regional Council cancelled the decision made in 2017 to transfer the land plot to the monastery of the Athos Icon of the Mother of God to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. This land plot will now be in communal ownership.

As earlier reported, Metropolitan Nikodim of Zhytomyr asked the regional authorities not to incite interfaith strife.

Read also

UOC hierarch leads funeral service for Kyiv Eparchy priest killed at front

Metropolitan Augustine conducted the funeral service for Archpriest Viacheslav Lytvynenko, a longtime military chaplain.

Orthodox youth from across Ukraine meet in Kyiv

The UOC meetup brought participants from different eparchies to the capital for live fellowship and dialogue on spiritual topics.

Khmelnytskyi Eparchy choir performs hymn by Patriarch Ilia

The choir of the Khmelnytskyi Eparchy performed a sacred work by Patriarch Ilia on the day commemorating his repose.

Metropolitan Shio: Patriarch Ilia II’s love became a source of faith and hope

In Georgia, Metropolitan Shio said in his sermon on the 40th day after Patriarch Ilia II’s repose that his love and ministry became a source of faith, hope, and spiritual renewal for the people.

Orthodox Christians in U.S.: “War on Faith” bill ignores persecution of UOC

The St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco Society has accused Congressmen Joe Wilson and Don Bacon of “double standards” in drafting a religious freedom bill concerning Ukraine.

UOC Social Department in Kyiv delivers aid to 100 displaced families

In Kyiv, displaced families received humanitarian aid, food and household packages, as well as Paschal greetings from the UOC Social Department.