Yelensky: Church seizure is a matter for the local, not central, government
Head of the DESS Viktor Yelensky. Photo: korrespondent.net
The American Conservative published an article titled "Ukraine's Two Wars", authored by independent journalist Flavius Mihăies, about the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) by the Ukrainian authorities. During his investigation, the journalist spoke with Viktor Yelensky, Head of the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnic Affairs and Freedom of Conscience (DESS).
Flavius Mihăies expressed his concern to Viktor Yelensky over church properties being forcibly transferred from the UOC to the OCU.
"This is a matter for the local government," Yelensky explained to me in his office in Kyiv. "The central government was not involved," the journalist quotes the official in the article.
As previously reported by the UOJ, the American media published an article on the persecution of the UOC by the authorities.
Read also
Dumenko: We celebrate Christmas to gain strength for fighting the enemy
The head of the OCU believes that celebrating Christmas is necessary for confronting Russia.
UOC Chancellor explains to Serbian media why union with OCU is impossible
Metropolitan Anthony said the OCU arose outside the canonical order from schismatic structures – what took place was legalization, not the healing of a schism.
Forbes removes a defamatory article about UOC support action in Washington
The magazine took down a publication that cast believers as “Kremlin agents” after the St. John Society filed a defamation complaint.
Terror attacks by IS supporters prevented in Turkey
In Istanbul, police detained more than a hundred members of an extremist network that had called for attacks during the holiday season.
“Decolonizing Christmas” tour held by Berlin Forum of Religions
An attempt was made to present Christmas in Germany through the lens of colonialism and oppression.