European organizations briefed on persecution of the Church in Ukraine
Participants of meetings with the European Commission. Photo: UOJ
From December 3 to 5, 2024, meetings were held in Brussels focusing on freedom of religion and the protection of religious organizations' rights. The visit by representatives of the "Consultation on Freedom of Religion in Eastern Europe" brought European attention to the situation surrounding the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), which faces persecution in Ukraine.
During these events, a documentary by journalist Denis Lapin was presented, detailing the persecution of the UOC from 2018 to 2024. Additionally, Metropolitan Luka of Zaporizhzhia delivered a report criticizing the new law 3894-IX, which targets the UOC's activities. He called on European politicians to intervene to prevent the complete ban of the Church in Ukraine.
On December 4, the delegation participated in the European Prayer Breakfast, where issues of religious freedom were discussed. During the event, the delegation met with Christophe Foltzenlogel from the European Center for Law and Justice (ECLJ) in Strasbourg. He offered valuable advice on defending the rights and freedoms of Orthodox believers in Ukraine and expressed support for the idea of convening an international conference on the issue of the UOC next year.
The delegation also met with European Commission representatives responsible for church-state relations and the rights of religious organizations. Martin Mühleck, Head of the Ukraine Service of DG NEAR, emphasized that freedom of religion is part of the roadmap for Ukraine’s EU accession negotiations, scheduled to begin in 2025. He noted the importance of ensuring that the application of law 3894-IX does not lead to restrictions on the rights of religious communities.
Vincent Depaigne, Coordinator for Dialogue with Churches, Religions, Philosophical, and Non-Confessional Organizations at the European Commission, confirmed that the situation of the UOC is under close scrutiny by EU bodies responsible for human rights.
As previously reported by the UOJ, international lawyer Robert Amsterdam is going to refile a comprehensive dossier of evidence documenting the persecution of Ukrainian Christians with the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom.
Read also
Lviv City Hall loses court case again over demolition of OCU chapel
During the proceedings, the defense uncovered evidence of document falsification by the city authorities.
Lotysh discusses “spiritual revival of the Lavra” with Azov command
The unit’s command noted the importance of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra “finally being filled with Ukrainian content.”
Relics stolen from Catholic Church in Czechia
At the Basilica of Saints Lawrence and Zdislava, an unknown intruder smashed a display case and stole the saint’s 800-year-old skull.
Head of Germany’s largest media group: We must all become Zionists
The media executive urged Europeans to defend the Jewish state in order to preserve their own freedom and security.
Church сonsecrated after restoration in Zaporizhzhia Eparchy of UOC
Metropolitan Luke of Zaporizhzhia and Melitopol performed the rite of great consecration and celebrated the first Liturgy in the renovated church.
Sand for construction of Yermak’s residence brought from cemetery, MP says
MP Yaroslav Zhelezniak said that sand illegally removed from a cemetery in Ukrainka was used in the construction of the elite Dynasty cooperative in Kozyn.