Konotop mayor bans UOC "for the sake of society's consolidation"
Mayor of Konotop Artem Semenikhin. Photo: Ukrinform
In the Sumy region, the mayor of Konotop Artem Semenikhin published his own illegal order on Facebook, which prohibits the activities of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church on the territory of the city. Semenihin accompanied this document with a remark that there is no difference between an enemy and his agent.
The city head refers to Article 42 of the Law "On Local Self-Government in Ukraine", the Law of Ukraine "On the Legal Regime of Martial Law". Semenikhin prohibits the UOC with the aim of "consolidating Ukrainian society, preventing the split in the Konotop community on religious grounds, anti-Ukrainian activities, speculation on the beliefs of residents, taking into account open pro-Russian propaganda in the temples of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which is subordinate to Patriarch Kirill of Moscow".
As the UOJ reported, the head of DESS Viktor Elensky previously stated that local city councils do not have the authority to prohibit the activities of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the regions, this is not legal.
Read also
MP: Ukrainians should finance the OCU and UGCC from their taxes
Nikita Poturaev stated that Ukrainian citizens should direct a percentage of their taxes to support religious organizations.
MP Calls on Mayor to Cancel Gay Parade in Lviv
A deputy sent appeals to the Lviv authorities, calling the planned LGBT event a threat to national security during wartime.
Patriarch Bartholomew discusses reopening of Halki Seminary with PACE leadership
The Ecumenical Patriarch received a delegation from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in Istanbul.
Russian Intelligence accuses EU of “malicious attack” on ROC in Armenia
Brussels reportedly demanded a complete break in spiritual ties with Moscow, making it a condition for Armenia’s European integration.
OCU supporters move to take over Trinity Cathedral in Kremenchuk
A woman required medical assistance following the aggressive actions of the raiders.
ISIS threatens Pope Leo XIV with death ahead of his visit to Spain
The radical group circulated posters calling for the pontiff to be killed during his apostolic visit to Madrid and Barcelona.