Yelensky assures that UOC ban will not violate believers’ rights

Viktor Yelensky believes that the destruction of the UOC will not affect its believers in any way. Photo: "Suspilne"

Viktor Yelensky believes that the destruction of the UOC will not affect its believers in any way. Photo: "Suspilne"

The head of the State Ethnopolitics Service, Viktor Yelensky, assured on the air of Svoboda Live that the adoption of the bill banning the Ukrainian Orthodox Church would not affect the rights of its believers.

According to him, the law "pursues the goal to stop the influence on Ukrainians of the Moscow Patriarchate".

"We are talking about stopping this influence, about dismantling the structures of the Moscow Patriarchate. But in no case is it about people who previously belonged to this Church being unable to practice their faith and express their religious feelings in a dignified way," said Viktor Yelensky. Yelensky did not explain how exactly the parishioners of the UOC will be able to practice their faith if the authorities intend to close their churches (or forcibly transfer them to the OCU).

Dumenko holds "service" at seized UOC church in Boyarka

On September 29, the head of the OCU performed a "divine service" at St. Michael's Church in Boyarka and rewarded the raider-rector.

UOC hierarchs mark 30th anniversary of Holovchyntsi Convent's revival

UOC bishops and clergy of the eparchy congratulated the abbess of the Transfiguration Convent and her sisters on the memorable date.

UOC cleric discusses life of Ukrainian parishes with Hungarian official

A UOC priest and a Hungarian official paid particular attention to issues of practical interaction between Ukrainian parishes and government authorities.

Ukrposhta issues stamp featuring Lavra for Soviet-era reserve's anniversary

The new postal block, issued in a print run of 40,000 copies, depicts the Lavra's churches, bell tower, and ancient frescoes.

Met. Theodosiy links his criminal case to ex-prosecutor named in NABU tapes

A Cherkasy court extended Metropolitan Theodosiy’s preventive measure for another two months – until November 29, 2026.

Stefanchuk: Seeking UCCRO-LGBT compromise on new Civil Code

The Verkhovna Rada speaker said the working group is seeking a broad public compromise as it revises the draft of the new Civil Code.