Dumenko to Japanese ambassador: There is no persecution of Church in Ukraine

Japanese ambassador and OCU leader. Photo: OCU's press service

On January 14, 2025, the head of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), Epifaniy Dumenko, met with Japan's Ambassador to Ukraine, Masashi Nakagome, at his residence, the OCU's press service reports.

The meeting addressed Ukraine's fight against Russia's full-scale aggression, the Church's role in society, particularly during the ongoing war, the religious situation in the country, and state-church relations.

Dumenko explained to the ambassador that Ukraine must defend itself not only militarily but also spiritually, as the aggressor state seeks to exploit religion for its criminal objectives.

"Putin wants to maintain the Russian Orthodox Church in Ukraine as an element to ensure the 'unity' of Russians and Ukrainians. Manipulating sensitive religious topics is easier, which is why we hear claims of 'persecution' and 'oppression.' In reality, this is a matter of national security. Ukraine's laws do not ban any religion but prevent the aggressor state from using religious organizations in the war against Ukraine. This applies to all religious organizations because all are equal before the law. We know Putin’s goal: he has come to destroy us. He does not need people; he needs territories as symbols. However, we are confident in our victory and hope for continued support from our international friends," Dumenko noted.

Masashi Nakagome, in turn, assured the OCU leader of Japan's unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

As the UOJ previously reported, Epifaniy assured the Egyptian ambassadors that there is freedom of religion in Ukraine.

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