DESS head: UOC needs to sever ties with Russia, not to join another Church
Head of DESS Viktor Yelensky. Photo: Voice of America
Viktor Yelensky, head of the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience stated that the state does not demand from the UOC "any changes to the calendar, liturgical language, joining another church, or proclaiming autocephaly. The only requirement is to sever ties with the Moscow Patriarchate," as reported by the DESS website.
According to Yelensky, if the UOC does so, the religious landscape in the country will change significantly, and dialogue between the UOC and the OCU will become possible.
The head of the DESS also stated that "according to the draft law awaiting a second reading, the activities of the Russian Orthodox Church in Ukraine will be impossible." However, this does not mean a ban on religious beliefs but rather the cessation of activities of religious structures subordinate to the Russian Federation.
As the UOJ reported, draft law 8371 in its new version, recommended by the Rada Committee for adoption in the second reading, contains provisions under which the UOC could be banned based on the statutory documents of structures from the Russian Federation.
Read also
Congresswoman to Ukrainian ambassador: Imprisoning Christians is never good
Anna Paulina Luna wrote to Stefanishyna that justifying the actions of the Ukrainian authorities against the UOC is not good.
Lavra abbot concelebrates with His Beatitude in Boryspil after long break
On the Sunday after the Nativity of Christ, Metropolitan Pavel concelebrated with the Primate of the UOC at the Boryspil Cathedral.
The Patriarch of Bulgaria revealed that the issue of the OCU was discussed in Istanbul
According to the head of the BPC, during the visit to the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Ukrainian issue was considered with respect for the position of the Bulgarian Church.
Shevchuk to Cherkasy officials: UGCC is on the information war front lines
The head of the UGCC told officials in Cherkasy region that the church has become an important participant in the information war.
Ukraine’s ambassador to U.S. tells congresswoman why authorities target UOC
According to Stefanishyna, the UOC speaks about persecution because it is “linked to Moscow”.
Christmas procession visits UOC churches in Kamianske
A procession with revered shrines is taking place in the city, before which prayers are offered for peace and for the people of Kamianske.