Arakhamia: Expertise of law on UOC by Venice Commission needed to join EU

The head of the Servant of the People faction, Davyd Arakhamia. Photo: rada.gov.ua

The head of the Servant of the People faction in the Verkhovna Rada, David Arakhamia, has said that Ukraine needs the expertise of the draft law on banning the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the Venice Commission in order to join the EU. He wrote this in a comment to the publication of the former Deputy Minister of Information Policy Dmytro Zolotukhin on Facebook.

David Arakhamia noted that he does not see any "betrayal" in the MPs’ initiative, and the examination will not be able to delay the consideration of the bill in the Parliament.

"Given the difficulty of going through the opening of the negotiation procedure with the EU, it is necessary to have a 100% guarantee that this will not be put on our heads as a violation of religious rights. Therefore, the Venice Commission is a normal decision," he added.

As reported, the MPs urged Rada Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk to appeal to the Venice Commission over the UOC the ban.

Read also

DESS registers "Ukrainian Interchurch Council"

The association has received official status and called for protecting the constitutional status of the family from Supreme Court rulings.

Surge in pilgrim numbers recorded on Mount Athos, administrator says

Amid wars and global instability, the number of pilgrims visiting Mount Athos has risen to as many as 1,500 per day, placing strain on monasteries and infrastructure.

UOC clergy in Poltava deliver aid to hospitals and social centers

Priests and volunteers of the “Blaho” center visited social institutions in Poltava, congratulated people on Easter, and delivered humanitarian aid to those in need.

Kharkiv metropolitan offers condolences after attacks on Bohodukhiv

Metropolitan Onufriy of Kharkiv called for prayer and support for those affected by the massive attacks on Bohodukhiv, where homes and infrastructure were destroyed.

Pope comments on German cardinal’s decision on “gay blessings”

The head of the Vatican said he would not approve formal rites for same-sex couples.

Catholic bishop: The Church in Germany has betrayed what is Christian

Bishop Athanasius Schneider called German hierarchs “cowardly accomplices” of left-wing ideology and predicted historical disgrace for them over their abandonment of the canons of faith.