On the new-old bans of church media

Website blocking. Photo: KV.by

The State Special Communications Service for Information Protection has once again announced the blocking of Orthodox websites: UOJ and Dialog.tut. And once again – at the request of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). And once again – without any explanation (unless citing martial law counts as an explanation).

Ukrainian authorities constantly proclaim their commitment to the European course and respect for human rights, yet they do the exact opposite. Judge for yourselves: is silencing Christian patriotic resources Europe? No, this is simply the typical Soviet approach – the very one that is now considered a model of a criminal totalitarian regime in Ukraine.

Yes, the SBU initiated an absurd and unfounded case against the UOJ staff, based on the ridiculous fantasies of two experts from the National Institute of Strategic Research. But the investigation has not provided a single fact of "criminal" activity from our resource. In turn, the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) and the National Police have opened cases against the experts for falsification.

Let us remind you that earlier, by the order of the SBU, the website Raskolam.net and the official (!) website of the UOC were blocked. One might assume that, in the opinion of the SBU, those sites were also operated by criminals?

Let’s be clear – the government is simply persecuting any resource that supports the UOC and speaks the truth about the church situation in Ukraine.

Now, in the United States, forces have come to power that declare their commitment to traditional, and therefore religious, values. And the new vice president has directly criticized our authorities for persecuting the UOC.

Perhaps the new leadership of our key partners should explain to their Ukrainian colleagues the basic principles of democracy?

Read also

Why UCCRO should rename itself as “State Service for Religious Affairs”

For several years now, the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations has been operating under a name that no longer reflects reality.

On the church raid in Odesa

The OCU’s church raids have long been remarkable for their sheer absurdity.

Zelensky's revoked order: What kind of heroes should Ukrainians have?

In recent years, the Ukrainian authorities have sought to present members of the OUN-UPA as heroes for all Ukrainians.

Religious processions banned – gay parades allowed

The authorities “respect rights, freedom, and human dignity” for many: Jews, pop and rock music fans, and now homosexuals. But Orthodox Christians are not among them.

Lavra's Dormition Cathedral and the money

While the construction of the entire cathedral cost approximately $12.5–13 million, more than $11.1 million is now being sought for its restoration. And that is only the “starting” figure.

Strike on the Lavra: what will the consequences be?

No one is saying that a strike on the Lavra, the portion of the Mother of God, is a level of absurdity beyond all limits – that after destroying hundreds of Orthodox churches, the war has now reached the very heart of our Orthodoxy.