Rivne UOC Eparchy responds to regional council deputies' calls to join OCU

Extraordinary session of the Rivne Regional Council on August 26, 2024. Photo: screenshot from the session's broadcast

The Rivne Eparchy of the UOC emphasized that the appeal prepared by the Rivne Regional Council, urging compliance with the law "On Protecting the Constitutional Order in the Activities of Religious Organizations" signed by the President, is populist, aimed at inciting interfaith discord, and provocative. The corresponding statement to the deputies was published on the Rivne Eparchy's page.

On August 26, the regional council unanimously, with 47 votes from those present, supported an appeal "to the Rivne and Sarny Dioceses of the UOC, to all clergy, monks, clerics, laypeople, and the territorial communities of the region to strengthen Ukraine's spiritual independence."

"The appeal prepared for us, the clergy, monks, and laypeople of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, by the Rivne Regional Council is populist, aimed at inciting interfaith enmity, and provocative," the statement said.

The diocese reminded that the UOC does not have a center in Russia, and this was clearly stated during the Council in Feofaniya, which took place on May 22, 2022.

"We appeal to the people's deputies to refrain from manipulating facts regarding the church, especially when it concerns faith. Faith is a personal and spiritual sphere of life for each individual, and it cannot be weaponized for political speculation or to achieve temporary goals," the press service noted.

In response to the call for believers to renounce their Church and the attempt to "force" them into the OCU, the diocese reminded the people's representatives that the church is separated from the state, which is one of the fundamental principles of the modern democratic system. They also noted that the claim that the OCU is recognized by the entire Orthodox world is not true. The deputies were informed that currently, the OCU is recognized by only four out of 15 Autocephalous Churches.

"While calling for unity, the church stresses the need for mutual support, respect, and constructive dialogue. Stirring internal disputes and conflicts only weakens society and distracts from the main goal. Only through joint efforts, solidarity, and mutual support can we effectively resist the aggressor and ensure stability and recovery in our country," the UOC diocese stated.

As the UOJ reported, in Strilsk, Rivne region, an unknown person blew up a UOC prayer house with a grenade.

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