Bartholomew urges to spread truth about religious freedom in Ukraine

UOJ journalists behind bars. Photo: UOJ

On August 13, 2024, during a meeting with a delegation of Ukrainian officials and representatives of the OCU, Patriarch Bartholomew called for spreading the truth about religious freedom in Ukraine, according to the President's Office website.

The delegation, which included Deputy Head of the President's Office Olena Kovalska, Head of the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience Viktor Yelensky, and representatives of the OCU, informed the head of the Phanar "about the crimes committed by Russian occupiers against religious freedom in Ukraine."

Patriarch Bartholomew was informed "about the dozens of priests, pastors, and theologians killed by the Russian invaders, and about more than 630 destroyed religious buildings". It is unclear whether the delegation mentioned that the overwhelming majority of the murdered clergy and destroyed churches belonged to the UOC.

In response, Patriarch Bartholomew stated that "the world knows very little about these crimes" and urged "to spread the truth about religious freedom in Ukraine and those who are trying to destroy it".

Previously, the UOJ reported that journalists from our website are being prosecuted for speaking the truth about religious freedom in Ukraine.

Read also

UOC's Social Department reports on aid provided during 1000 days of war

Millions of hryvnias in financial aid and hundreds of tons of humanitarian assistance were provided during this period.

On 1000th day of war, UOC opens exhibition dedicated to Church's mission

Before the exhibition's opening, a memorial service was held for those who perished and died during the war, as well as a prayer service for AFU soldiers and for Ukraine.

Zelensky on the Church: The era of those who sanctify terror is over

The President stated that in Ukraine, there is dialogue between the state and all religious communities.

Orthodox Church sacristan brutally murdered in Russia

The murdered man left behind three children.

Satanic show to be held in Prague as a counter to St. Nicholas feast

Terrifying creatures will scare children instead of giving them gifts.

Papal Nuncio in Kyiv: War is from the devil, it makes no sense

Visvaldas Kulbokas believes the Church's mission is to call for the urgent need to end the war.