MP: Modified bill on the UOC contains amendments from SBU

MP Mykyta Poturaev. Photo: glavcom.ua

The modified bill banning the UOC contains amendments from the Security Service of Ukraine, providing for the liquidation of a denomination if its leader has been convicted of crimes against the fundamentals of Ukraine's national security, said Mykyta Poturaev, the head of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Humanitarian Policy, in an interview with Ukrinform.

In particular, a denomination may be liquidated if its leader has been convicted under articles on "collaboration activities" and "state treason".

The MP also expressed hope that the bill banning the UOC "can restore political consensus among factions and groups in parliament".

On 5 October 2023, a bill initiated by the SBU to ban denominations related to Russia was registered in the Verkhovna Rada. The document envisaged the liquidation of those denominations whose representatives committed crimes under articles on "war propaganda," "incitement of inter-religious hatred", "terrorism," "planning, preparation, unleashing, and waging of aggressive war", "violations of laws and customs of war", "genocide", and "mercenary activities".

As reported, the MP stated that the bill banning the UOC simplifies the procedure for communities to switch to the OCU.

Read also

Future of OCU may lead to union with UGCC, says Dumenko's former cleric

According to Yasents, the Uniates benefit the most from the schism in Orthodoxy and may become the "national church" of Ukraine.

Former OCU cleric: Organizers of UOC church seizures receive big money

Yaroslav Yasenets spoke about the methods used by OCU clerics to seize UOC churches.

Exhibition with provocative images of Christ and Theotokos closed in Cyprus

The exhibition in Paphos was shut down following public outrage – the works were deemed blasphemous and offensive to Orthodox sacred symbols.

Brothers of UOC monastery organize aid for Odesa residents during blackout

Amid disruptions to electricity, water, and heating, the Odesa monastery opened its grounds to support city residents.

A unique third-century mural depicting Jesus Christ discovered in Turkey

Archaeologists have discovered a rare early Christian image of Christ in an underground tomb near Iznik, which specialists describe as exceptional for this region.

Sumy Eparchy celebrates miraculous "Bread of Life" icon and 80th anniversary

Jubilee celebrations were held at the Transfiguration Cathedral with the participation of UOC hierarchs, the eparchy's clergy and laity of the Sumy Eparchy.