Amsterdam: MPs want to force Ukrainians to accept OCU as the state church

American lawyer Robert Amsterdam. Photo: departurespodcast.com

Robert Amsterdam, head of the international human rights company Amsterdam & Partners LLP, who is a lawyer for the UOC, in response to criticism from MPs of his activities, stated that the duty of a lawyer is to clearly and unequivocally express a warning about predatory and discriminatory legislation against the UOC. He reported this in a comment to Strana.ua.

According to the lawyer, the bill in the version for consideration in the second reading is clearly aimed not only at destroying the UOC, but also at abolishing fundamental principles of law and coercing the people of Ukraine to essentially accept the Orthodox Church of Ukraine as the state church.

As the UOJ reported, lawyer and Archpriest Nikita Chekman disclosed information from the indictment to one of the detained Orthodox journalists and human rights defenders on March 12 – Archpriest Sergiy Chertilin about the fact that the OCU, according to the prosecution, is an "attribute of statehood".

Read also

Spanish court rules Jehovah’s Witnesses may be called a “destructive sect”

A court in Spain has upheld the right of critics of Jehovah’s Witnesses to speak openly about the group’s alleged harmfulness and danger to society.

U.S. startup launches $2-per-minute AI “Jesus” video chat service

An American startup has introduced a video-calling service that allows users to “speak” with an AI-generated image of Christ, offering responses based on biblical texts.

RF courts treat posting 666 number as Satanism propaganda

Users can now face an administrative fine or arrest for posting the “number of the beast” or pentagrams on social media.

Orthodox priest in Germany says Germans are finding truth in Orthodoxy

A priest of the Orthodox Church in Germany has said that growing numbers of Germans are turning to the faith in search of clear spiritual guidance and a fuller church life.

RomOC to celebrate Synaxis of Holy Romanian Women for the first time

The Romanian Orthodox Church will mark the Synaxis of Holy Romanian Women for the first time after the canonization of 16 saints in 2025.

Antiochian Patriarch discusses peace and future of Christians with Turkish officials

During a visit to Antioch, Patriarch John X discussed with Turkish authorities the region’s recovery, support for Orthodox communities, and the preservation of a Christian presence.