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

"Stigmatization based on faith": DESS reprimands TSN for story about Muslims

DESS criticized TSN because "the investigation in the "1+1" news story immediately took on an accusatory bias, and the accused themselves were not given a voice."

His Beatitude Onuphry: Through fasting, man returns to Paradise

On Forgiveness Sunday, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry reminded the faithful about Adam's fall and urged them to repent before Great Lent.

Archbishop of Greece speaks about his successor and the Church's future

On the occasion of the 18th anniversary of his leadership of the Greek Church, the Primate gave an interview in which he spoke about relations with the state, the situation in Sinai, and the challenges of the modern world.

In Barcelona, Sagrada Familia’s central tower completed after 144 years

In Barcelona, a glass cross was installed on the Sagrada Familia temple, completing the central tower and bringing the building to the height of 172.5 meters.

On Forgiveness Sunday, His Beatitude Onuphry celebrates Liturgy at Lavra

During Cheesefare Week, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry celebrated the Liturgy at the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, addressed the flock with a sermon, and offered prayers for peace and the preservation of Ukraine's people.

In Hnidyn, St. Nicholas Church of UOC damaged by shelling

As a result of shelling, the St. Nicholas Church of the UOC in the village of Hnidyn of the Boryspil Eparchy was damaged.