UOC hierarch: "Bans" on UOC by local authorities are initiated by Kyiv
Metropolitan Theodosy. Photo: website of the Cherkasy Eparchy
The initiatives to “ban” the UOC by the city, regional and district councils were sent to local deputies from Kyiv,” said Metropolitan Theodosy of Cherkasy in a video message posted on the YouTube channel of the diocese.
“They are given from Kyiv,” says the bishop. “Someone resisted, someone made the decision without resistance.”
According to him, deputies came to the representatives of the UOC and asked them not to worry, saying that these decisions have no legal force.
“We are under pressure,” they said. We will vote like that, don’t be offended by us,” Metropolitan Theodosy conveyed the words of the deputies.
According to the hierarch, this was done to shape public opinion.
“We already understood and knew why this was being done. To say later – look, this is the society’s demand,” says the bishop. This is actually what they say now – look, this is the society’s demand, 80% of city and regional councils voted to ban the UOC. Why not now vote for this ban in the Verkhovna Rada as well?”
Earlier, the UOJ wrote that the SBU urges to sign an appeal to His Beatitude.
Read also
President’s Office pledges “not to close a single church”
Olena Kovalska compared the authorities’ approach to the UOC with requirements imposed on businesses.
Congresswoman: What is occuring in Ukraine is clear persecution of Christians
Anna Paulina Luna warned that if persecution of Christians in other countries is ignored today, tomorrow repression against believers could begin in the United States.
UOC Chancellor: Today’s church raids are a carbon copy of 90s raider schemes
Metropolitan Anthony noted that such seizures are often accompanied by violence, beatings of clergy and parishioners, and bloodshed.
Budanov lights first candle of Jewish Hanukkah
The head of the Defence Ministry’s Main Intelligence Directorate took part in a Jewish religious ceremony.
ROCOR hierarch speaks about persecution of UOC at rally near Congress
Bishop Theodosy called on American lawmakers to pay attention to violations of religious freedom in Ukraine.
Volyn RC deputy demand inspection of UOC churches at state institutions
Andrii Bokoch is calling for an inspection of the affiliation of all churches and chapels in Volyn located on the premises of state and medical institutions.