UOL: Court recognizes persecution of UOC cleric and community in Zolochiv

The court sided with the family of the UOC priest from Zolochiv. Photo: pravda.com.ua

The Ternopil Administrative Court sided with the family of UOC priest Maxim Yoenko, who suffered from persecution by local authorities in Zolochiv, reports the Union of Orthodox Journalists on its Telegram channel.

The court upheld the claim of the wife of the cleric Shakhoval Olga Vladimirovna against the Zolochiv town council and found illegal the decision to demolish the fence of their family house.

“Thus, the court decision once again confirmed the lack of grounds for local authorities to interfere in the private life of the family of the UOC priest, as well as the presence of prejudice against him and his family. As a result, by their actions, the authorities unreasonably interfere not only in the personal life of the priest's family but also resist meeting the religious needs of the local community of the UOC,” the lawyers noted.

Earlier, the Zolochiv district police department closed criminal proceedings against local deputies led by Mayor Igor Hrynkiv, opened in connection with the persecution of UOC cleric Maxim Yoenko.

Read also

Armenian bishops call on authorities to stop Church persecution

At a meeting in Austria, hierarchs of the Armenian Apostolic Church reaffirmed their faithfulness to Catholicos Karekin II of All Armenians and called on the authorities to stop the persecution of the clergy.

Italian media: Ukrainian authorities persecute the country’s largest confession

The Italian outlet L’Identità reported on mass searches, the arrests of clergy, and the ban on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which it describes as the largest Church in Ukraine.

Festival marking Orthodox Youth Day held in UOC's Volyn Eparchy

In Lutsk, the UOC’s annual youth forum brought together parish groups, clergy, and participants in a creative program for Orthodox Youth Day.

London mayor switches on festive Ramadan lights

In London, the Muslim mayor inaugurated Ramadan illuminations: a central street was decorated with a “Happy Ramadan” sign and Islamic-style ornaments.

DESS: Ramadan is a time of special closeness to the Almighty

DESS congratulated Ukraine’s Muslims on the beginning of Ramadan.

Jehovah’s witness pastor sentenced in Lviv region for refusing TRC service

A court in Lviv region sentenced a Jehovah’s Witness pastor to five years in prison for unauthorized absence from his unit and for refusing to serve as a TRC cook.