Head of the Ternopil RMA promises not to close UOC churches

Head of the Ternopil RMA. Photo: Ternopoliany

The head of the Ternopil Regional Military Administration, Vyacheslav Nehoda, stated that the regional government will not close the temples of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, as reported by Ternopoliany website. During a meeting with media representatives, he emphasized that any actions to cease church activities should come from the people themselves, not from government bodies.

"The regional government will probably never agree to close churches... This is not done at my command. Just because I want to write 'prohibit' – it doesn’t work that way!" Negoda noted, adding that it is a matter of citizen awareness.

At the same time, he expressed outrage that some residents of the region continue to attend churches that, in his opinion, are spiritually connected to Russia. "In the conditions of Moscow's aggression, there cannot be a situation where an individual works for this country... They are spiritually connected to those who bless the enemy for war," said the head of the administration.

As reported earlier by the UOJ, the Ternopil RMA is calling for an investigation into the activities of the Pochaiv mayor over the Lavra.

Read also

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.

Festival marking Orthodox Youth Day held in UOC's Volyn Eparchy

In Lutsk, the UOC’s annual youth forum brought together parish groups, clergy, and participants in a creative program for Orthodox Youth Day.

London mayor switches on festive Ramadan lights

In London, the Muslim mayor inaugurated Ramadan illuminations: a central street was decorated with a “Happy Ramadan” sign and Islamic-style ornaments.

DESS: Ramadan is a time of special closeness to the Almighty

DESS congratulated Ukraine’s Muslims on the beginning of Ramadan.

Jehovah’s witness pastor sentenced in Lviv region for refusing TRC service

A court in Lviv region sentenced a Jehovah’s Witness pastor to five years in prison for unauthorized absence from his unit and for refusing to serve as a TRC cook.

Orthodox Church in America raises $700,000 for Ukrainians in Poland

An OCA representative met with Metropolitan Sava and discussed humanitarian support for Ukrainian refugees in Poland.