Court closes the case against Rivne Eparchy secretary for “inciting hatred”
Secretary of the Rivne Eparchy of the UOC, Archpriest Viktor Zemlianyi. Photo: rivne.church
On October 5, 2023, the court in Rivne closed the case of the Secretary of the Rivne Eparchy of the UOC, Archpriest Viktor Zemlianyi, who was accused of "stoking interreligious strife" due to the expiration of the statute of limitations. The corresponding decision was published on the Registry of Court Decisions website.
The UOC clergyman was relieved of criminal liability as eight years had passed since the actions he was accused of.
According to reports from Suspilne, the regional prosecutor's office has already filed an appeal against the decision of the Rivne court.
According to the charges, from June to November 2015, Protodeacon Viktor Zemlianyi distributed brochures that "insulted the religious feelings of the UOC-KP (Kyiv Patriarchate) and UAOC (Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church) believers and contributed to inciting feelings of alienation and distrust among UOC believers and supporters of UOC-KP and UAOC."
Additionally, the investigation alleges that Father Viktor supposedly "offended the beliefs of UOC-KP believers" during the filming of the movies "Persecution" and "Ukraine: 'Mazepa' Operation."
As previously reported by the UOJ, Archpriest Viktor Zemlianyi explained why the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) initiated a criminal case against him.
Read also
Oldest UOC church in Sumy marks its patronal feast
Metropolitan Yevlohiy led celebrations at the city’s oldest parish, where the wonderworking Pustynno-Hlynska Icon of the Mother of God was brought for the feast.
Hundreds of faithful in Bulgaria welcome Hawaiian Icon of the Mother of God
Patriarch Daniel led the ceremonial welcome for the myrrh-streaming icon in Sofia and thanked the ROCOR Synod for arranging its visit.
Pope Leo XIV approves new Vatican Сonstitution
The new Fundamental Law establishes the right of non-cardinals to head Vatican administrative bodies.
Church commemorates Prophet Elijah
The Church honors the memory of the prophet who lived in the ninth century BC and became an example of unwavering faith for Christians throughout the ages.
UOC priest’s home damaged in drone strike on Poltava
The home of Archpriest Kostiantyn Fisun, rector of St. Seraphim Church in Poltava, was damaged in a drone attack.
Kyiv Theological Schools begin enrollment for catechetical courses
The Kyiv Theological Academy has announced enrollment for the St. Peter Mohyla Catechetical Courses for laypeople.