Political expert: To take away Lavra is unethical, the state didn't build it

A religious procession of the UOC to the Lavra in 2021. Photo: UOJ

Ruslan Bortnik, the Director of the "Ukrainian Institute of Politics," in an interview with journalist and blogger Oleksandr Shelest, called the government's actions regarding the seizure of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra unethical.

"Even from an ethical standpoint, the state did not build the Lavra: neither the Ukrainian nor the Soviet one. The Lavra was established by a religious denomination. Even from this historical perspective, the state's ownership rights to the Lavra are very... (questionable – Ed.)," the politologist said.

In his opinion, there are many emotions and hype around the Lavra, as well as people who are trying to "warm their hands" and "grab pieces for themselves, stauropegias, and everything else".

He stated that he is a supporter of an independent Church in Ukraine. "But then independent from everyone," the political scientist stressed.

Ruslan Bortnik believes the authorities are doing with the Lavra brings great harm to Ukraine.

Read also

WHO urges securing equal access to IVF for same-sex couples

WHO’s new recommendations substantially broaden the concept of infertility and open the door to widespread use of assisted reproduction, including for same-sex couples and transgender individuals.

In Kniazhychi, brotherhood defends their monastery from seizure

Parishioners and the brotherhood of the UOC Transfiguration Monastery in Kniazhychi succeeded in defending their sacred site from the attempts of security forces and raiders.

UOC Primate congratulates Met. Arseniy on 20 years of episcopal ordination

The Primate of the UOC sent greetings to Metropolitan Arseniy on the anniversary of his personal Pentecost.

UGCC urges faithful to be ready to lay down their lives for Ukraine

The UGCC hierarchs have published a letter to the faithful urging them to cleanse the country of Soviet methods of governance, military organization, and economic management.

Condition of Metropolitan Theodosiy shows first signs of recovery

For the first time since his hospitalization, the health indicators of Metropolitan Theodosiy of Cherkasy have begun to improve.

Court to choose preventive measure for Met. Arseniy in Dnipro on December 5

The prosecutor demands that the detention of the UOC hierarch be extended.