DESS: The UOC threatens Ukraine's national security

Viktor Voynalovych. Photo: DESS

Viktor Voynalovych, an official of the State Service for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience , spoke about the destructive role of religious organizations in Ukraine that are controlled by Russia – apparently referring to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), according to the DESS website.

"Unfortunately, the Russian Orthodox Church has become part of the ideological apparatus of Russian aggression. We are forced to regard its activities in Ukraine as an element of hybrid warfare that threatens national security," said Voynalovych.

He also emphasized the importance of the recently adopted law "On Protecting the Constitutional Order in the Sphere of Religious Organizations' Activities," which, according to him, is not directed against religion but serves the interests of the state.

“This law does not discriminate against religion; it is merely aimed at protecting our sovereignty. Religion in Ukraine will always remain a source of unity, not a tool of division,” he stated.

As previously reported by the UOJ, DESS explained when the law banning the UOC would come into effect.

Read also

Myltsi Monastery shows pictures of shrine's revival from ruins

Archive footage of the St. Nicholas Monastery in Myltsi dated 1994 and modern photos of the revived monastery have been published online.

Embassy of Ukraine holds "prayer for Ukraine" at Weiling Wall in Jerusalem

The Ukrainian Embassy performed a ceremony at the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem.

Founder of children's shelter in Athens asks for help to avoid prison

The Athens Court of Appeals sentenced the head of the Greek foundation to 9.5 years in prison with the right of redemption. 

In Butove, OCU supporters hold meeting on UOC parish "transfer"

In the House of Culture, residents of the village of Butove, Rivne region, decided the fate of St. John's Church of the UOC.

His Beatitude reads first part of Great Penitential Canon at Lavra

Metropolitan Onuphry led the Great Compline at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, with the reading of the Great Penitential Canon of St. Andrew of Crete.

Orthodox youth meetings held in deaneries of UOC's Rivne Eparchy

Spiritual and educational events ahead of Great Lent were held in the deaneries of the Rivne Eparchy with the participation of clergy and Orthodox youth.