Baumeister: Backing persecution of UOC is indelible shame for UCCRO members
Volodymyr Zelensky and UCCRO representatives in 2024. Photo: president.gov.ua
For some members of the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations (UCCRO), supporting the Ukrainian authorities in their persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) will be an “indelible shame.” Doctor of Philosophy Andriy Baumeister made this statement in an interview on journalist Oleksandr Shelest’s channel on February 20.
Commenting on the persecution of the UOC between 2022 and 2024, the Ukrainian philosopher emphasized that the stance of certain AUCCRO representatives on this issue will remain an irredeemable stain. However, he added that for some, supporting the authorities in their oppression of the Church was simply "a cynical job."
"Many still remember the Soviet-era KGB, and let’s be honest – it is not the first time they have served the system by either suppressing or turning a blind eye to crimes," he added.
As a believer, Baumeister also stated that this issue provides them with "a great opportunity for repentance and for re-evaluating their lives and decisions."
As previously reported by the UOJ, Baumeister earlier stated that the persecution of the UOC is one of the greatest crimes committed by the Ukrainian authorities.
Read also
EU officials discuss UOC persecution with experts in Brussels
Two expert–level discussions on the state of religious freedom in Ukraine were held in the EU.
WHO urges securing equal access to IVF for same-sex couples
WHO’s new recommendations substantially broaden the concept of infertility and open the door to widespread use of assisted reproduction, including for same-sex couples and transgender individuals.
In Kniazhychi, brotherhood defends their monastery from seizure
Parishioners and the brotherhood of the UOC Transfiguration Monastery in Kniazhychi succeeded in defending their sacred site from the attempts of security forces and raiders.
UOC Primate congratulates Met. Arseniy on 20 years of episcopal ordination
The Primate of the UOC sent greetings to Metropolitan Arseniy on the anniversary of his personal Pentecost.
UGCC urges faithful to be ready to lay down their lives for Ukraine
The UGCC hierarchs have published a letter to the faithful urging them to cleanse the country of Soviet methods of governance, military organization, and economic management.
Condition of Metropolitan Theodosiy shows first signs of recovery
For the first time since his hospitalization, the health indicators of Metropolitan Theodosiy of Cherkasy have begun to improve.