Arestovych says how the authorities should deal with UOC
Oleksiy Arestovych. Photo: Arestovych’s Facebook
Oleksiy Arestovych, former advisor to the Office of the President of Ukraine, has suggested a potential solution to the crisis in relations between the Ukrainian government and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) in an interview with with the Latvian publication rus.nra.
He proposes convening a "broad council" with the involvement of various religious denominations under the auspices of the AUCCRO, followed by the creation of a State Agreement on the status of the UOC, which would be "signed by all churches and denominations."
According to Arestovych, this council should include representatives from all churches and could also involve experts in church reforms, historians, and specialists in the field. He envisions a collaborative process that could take up to two years to reach a resolution. Arestovych believes that initiating such a discussion would significantly reduce tensions within society.
The former advisor has previously criticized government actions that target the UOC and has called for a more thoughtful approach to the situation.
As reported by the UOJ, Arestovych expressed his view that those in power who repress the UOC are acting foolishly.
Read also
Armenian bishops call on authorities to stop Church persecution
At a meeting in Austria, hierarchs of the Armenian Apostolic Church reaffirmed their faithfulness to Catholicos Karekin II of All Armenians and called on the authorities to stop the persecution of the clergy.
Italian media: Ukrainian authorities persecute the country’s largest confession
The Italian outlet L’Identità reported on mass searches, the arrests of clergy, and the ban on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which it describes as the largest Church in Ukraine.
Festival marking Orthodox Youth Day held in UOC's Volyn Eparchy
In Lutsk, the UOC’s annual youth forum brought together parish groups, clergy, and participants in a creative program for Orthodox Youth Day.
London mayor switches on festive Ramadan lights
In London, the Muslim mayor inaugurated Ramadan illuminations: a central street was decorated with a “Happy Ramadan” sign and Islamic-style ornaments.
DESS: Ramadan is a time of special closeness to the Almighty
DESS congratulated Ukraine’s Muslims on the beginning of Ramadan.
Jehovah’s witness pastor sentenced in Lviv region for refusing TRC service
A court in Lviv region sentenced a Jehovah’s Witness pastor to five years in prison for unauthorized absence from his unit and for refusing to serve as a TRC cook.