In Chernivtsi, Yelensky laments about "discrediting" of UOC-banning law
Yelensky talks about the importance of prayer breakfasts. Photo: DESS website
On February 29, 2024, there was a meeting of the Council of Churches and Religious Organizations to the Chernivtsi Regional Military Administration, with the online participation of the head of the State Service for Ethnic Policy and its deputy, Viktor Yelensky and Viktor Voinalovych, respectively.
Yelensky stated that there allegedly exists administrative connection between the UOC and the ROC, which should be severed by the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. He also assured that there is currently a discrediting campaign against draft law 8371, which "has cost a lot of money".
According to Yelensky, "The UOC-MP should exit the ROC," and then draft law 8371 would not affect it.
"This meets the expectations not only of Ukrainian society but is also a request from many clerics, clergy, and even two metropolitans of this Church," said the head of the State Service for Ethnic Policy.
During the discussion, Yelensky emphasized the importance of prayer breakfasts and talked about a breakfast he attended in the United States. According to him, the breakfast in Washington became "the center of a large number of events aimed at consolidating the Christian community, strengthening its commitment to high values, distinguishing good from evil."
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the State Bureau of Investigation had opened a criminal case against the DESS leadership.
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.