Yelensky set to create a position of Ambassador for Religious Freedom at MFA
Yelensky speaking at Kyiv StratCom Forum 2024. Photo: Kyiv StratCom Forum
The Head of the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience, Viktor Yelensky, has advocated for the establishment of a position of Ambassador for Religious Freedom at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, according to the department's website.
Yelensky stated that a similar position exists in other countries. He also emphasized the need to convey Ukraine's point of view to various religious organizations abroad to increase support for Ukraine.
In additon, the DESS head noted that the model of state-church and religious-community relations in Ukraine is unique for Europe. "In Ukraine, all religions and Churches are equal before the law, and representatives of different faiths hold the highest positions in the state," he reiterated.
As reported by the UOJ, UOC lawyer Robert Amsterdam stated that "before Mr. Yelenskyi's tenure as the Head of State Service of Ukraine for Ethnic Affairs, the UOC was guaranteed the right to practice their faith free from harm and harassment," but with his arrival, "all this changed."
Read also
Ukraine now allows matronymics alongside patronymics
Ukrainian legislation has allowed people to change their patronymic since 2021, including replacing the father's name with the mother's name.
Kharkiv's gay community announces LGBT march
At the pride march in Kharkiv, participants will demand the legalization of same-sex marriages in Ukraine.
Ukrainians criticize official who called pilgrimage to Pochaiv "horrifying"
Threads users did not support the head of the "Ancient Kyiv" Reserve, Roman Malenkov, who called the UOC pilgrimage "a horrifying horror."
Metropolitan Alexiy of Voznesensk consecrates chapel in Velyka Solona
The ruling bishop of the Voznesensk Eparchy performed the consecration of the Chapel of the Holy Martyrs Faith, Hope, Love, and their mother Sophia.
UOC draws 7 times more worshippers than OCU in Kerstentsi on Transfiguration
More than 300 faithful attended the UOC parish’s patronal feast in Kerstentsi.
Sybiha invites Putin to take Dmitry Donskoy’s place in sarcophagus
Ukraine’s foreign minister commented on reports that part of the relics of Holy Prince Dmitry Donskoy could be sent to Russian troops.