DESS reports a "brazen annexation of eparchies" in occupied territories
First deputy head of the State Ethnopolitics Service (DESS) Viktor Voynalovych. Photo: dess.gov.ua
First deputy head of the State Ethnopolitics Service Viktor Voynalovych spoke about the activities of religious organizations in Ukraine, in particular in the occupied territories, reports the DESS press service.
According to him, there is a "brazen annexation of eparchies" in the occupied territories, and priests succumb to torture and persecution.
He said that about 400 places of worship have been destroyed as a result of Russian aggression, of which about 100 are beyond repair.
Voynalovych also said that today there is a need for "spiritual decolonization of the Ukrainian space" to "free Ukraine from the influence of Russian Orthodox ideologies".
As reported, the head of the DESS said that Ukraine would not allow the abuse of religious freedom in the interests of the Russian Federation.
Read also
UOC Lawyer Reveals Details of the Case Against Miletsky Monastery
Believers have filed more than 150 applications to join the court proceedings as third parties.
Robert Amsterdam: Ukrainian Authorities Have Stripped the UOC of the Right to Pray at the Lavra
The lawyer pointed to the UOC's independence despite officials' accusations.
Phanar hierarch invites Georgian patriarch to Constantinople
Metropolitan Emmanuel discussed relations between the Georgian and Constantinople Churches with Patriarch Shio.
Catholic priest сelebrates feast-day Mass in flooded church in Philippines
Christian Rey Cayanan celebrated the service knee-deep in water at San Roque Chapel.
OCCzLS Primate congratulates His Beatitude on enthronement anniversary
Metropolitan Rastislav highlighted the prayerful ministry and authority of the UOC Primate.
Romanian Church holds glorification rite for new saints
Patriarch Daniel called the glorification of the saints a testimony to God’s mercy toward His people.