Dumenko: Ukrainian govt. doesn’t interfere in activities of denominations

Head of the OCU Epifaniy Dumenko and Verkhovna Rada Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk. Photo: pomisna.info

The head of the OCU Epifaniy Dumenko stated that the Ukrainian state, unlike the Russian one, allegedly "does not interfere in the internal life of religious communities". He said this during his speech at the "Crimean Forum 26-2-14", reports the OCU press service.

He noted that freedom of religion in Ukraine is ensured both by law and in practice. In contrast to Russia, where, according to Dumenko, the authorities have established "serious restrictions on the activities of religious organizations, including at the legislative level."

"In fact, in Russia, the Soviet system of control over religious communities has been revived, which occurs, including through the covert influence of special services," Dumenko said, comparing the authorities' attitude towards religion in Ukraine and Russia.

As reported, the President of Ukraine demanded that MPs quickly pass a law banning the UOC.

Read also

OCU explains why beggars are driven away from St. Michael’s Cathedral

A cleric of Dumenko’s structure admitted that beggars are not tolerated at the OCU’s main monastery because of their “high incomes” and the desire not to damage the site’s image before foreign tourists.

UOC Chancellor: Venerable Anthony founded a monastery, not a reserve

Metropolitan Anthony said that the attempt to turn the Lavra into a state preserve is, in essence, an attempt to lock living Orthodoxy behind a door.

Dumenko discusses countering hostile influence in spiritual life with PO head

The heads of the OCU and the Presidential Office touched on state-church relations and “spiritual security” in wartime.

Albanian Primate speaks about ways to resolve OCU problem

Archbishop John is convinced: disagreements between Moscow and Constantinople can only be overcome through love and dialogue, but not through choosing "sides".

National Memory Institute and SBU open exhibition on UGCC liquidation

An exhibition on the repression of the Uniates has opened in the capital, while state officials search for historical parallels with the present day.

OCU "priest" “allows” parishioners to use priest’s cassock for sex games

Ruslan Usmedinsky said that using a priest’s cassock as a prop for role-playing games can strengthen relationships between couples.