Austrian advocates about UOC ban: A decision of questionable legality
Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. Photo: inforesist
The Austrian non-governmental organization OIDAC (Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination Against Christians in Europe) published a report for 2022-2023, highlighting the law aimed at effectively banning the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC).
At the time of the report's preparation, the Ukrainian Parliament had preliminarily approved a bill aimed at banning the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (October 19, 2023).
Referring to this legislative initiative, OIDAC concludes that "this is a decision of questionable legality that is likely to face challenges in Ukraine's justice system and potentially at the ECtHR."
As previously reported by the UOJ, the Austrian NGO OIDAC Europe also noted in its report that people in Ukraine are being persecuted for their religious beliefs.
Read also
Priests and laity of Rivne Eparchy donate blood for children with cancer
In Rivne, the UOC clergy and laity have donated blood for children undergoing treatment for cancer.
Kyiv seminary students meet with People’s Artist Larisa Kadochnikova
Students of Kyiv’s theological schools spoke with the legend of Ukrainian cinema, who shared her memories of filming "Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors".
Bancheny Monastery reports provocation
The UOC monastery in Bancheny has reported a provocation by unidentified individuals.
Romanian Church to hold joint prayer for peace in Ukraine
On the fourth anniversary of the beginning of the war in Ukraine, special prayers for an end to the hostility will be offered in all churches of the Romanian Patriarchate, both in the country and abroad.
Armenian bishops call on authorities to stop Church persecution
At a meeting in Austria, hierarchs of the Armenian Apostolic Church reaffirmed their faithfulness to Catholicos Karekin II of All Armenians and called on the authorities to stop the persecution of the clergy.
Italian media: Ukrainian authorities persecute the country’s largest confession
The Italian outlet L’Identità reported on mass searches, the arrests of clergy, and the ban on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which it describes as the largest Church in Ukraine.