Reznikov explains appearance of clauses on UOC name in the law on Donbass
Alexey Reznikov. Photo: 5.ua
Vice Prime Minister, Minister for Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine Aleksey Reznikov, explained why norms on renaming the Church were included in the draft law "On State Policy for the Transition Period". He spoke about this in an interview with LB.ua, published on Wednesday, February 3.
According to the official, the state policy of the transitional period cannot and should not contradict the Constitution of Ukraine, and "when we end this war and de-occupy our territories, restore our borders, the Ukrainian constitutional field will also be resumed there."
“We believe that all religious communities should fall under the regulation of Ukrainian law,” said Reznikov, answering a question about the requirement in the draft law for the UOC to change its name. “It should be unified for everyone. If you do not accept Ukrainian jurisdiction, then you will need to indicate who your immediate supervisor is. Just honestly, for a comfortable and safe existence, tell me who your boss is."
At the same time, the Deputy Prime Minister explained, “our task is to ensure that no one is infringed upon in their right to freedom of religion. This right is guaranteed by our Constitution. It is your right to go to whatever temple, mosque, synagogue."
Earlier, the UOJ wrote that in the draft law on the state policy of the transitional period in the de-occupied territories of Donbass and in Crimea, the norms of the scandalous law on the forced renaming of the Church were duplicated, which is currently being considered by the Constitutional Court.
Read also
In Pasika, Transcarpathia, priest defects to OCU while community remains in UOC
In the village of Paseka in Transcarpathia, believers discussed the future fate of their church.
In Sumy, Presentation Church of UOC damaged by shelling
In the Sumy Eparchy, the walls and fence of the Presentation Church were damaged as a result of shelling, but divine services continue.
Ukraine loses almost 98% of cases at European Court of Human Rights
According to the ECtHR’s 2025 report, nearly all complaints against Ukraine end with findings of human rights violations.
UOC Chancellor on Kyiv Council decision targeting UOC: Obvious lawlessness
Metropolitan Anthony said the document adopted by the Kyiv Regional Council violates the Constitution, interferes with freedom of religion, and exceeds the body’s authority.
In Finland, Constantinopolitan Church hierarch convicted of fraud
A Finnish court found the former archbishop of the Constantinople Patriarchate guilty of manipulating state subsidies and committing financial violations.
His Beatitude: Pure faith is the only path to soul salvation
On the Sunday of the Triumph of Orthodoxy, the Primate of the UOC urged the faithful not to tailor faith to human reasoning and passions, and reminded them of the significance of the Ecumenical Councils.