Yelensky tells head of US Helsinki Commission about anti-church law
Meeting of Viktor Yelensky with Kyle Parker. Photo: DESS
On May 30, 2025, a meeting took place in Kyiv between Viktor Yelensky, Chairman of the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience, and Kyle Parker, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Helsinki Commission. This was reported by the agency’s press service.
According to DESS, the meeting participants discussed processes in the religious sphere, state-church relations, and legislative initiatives "aimed at ensuring the right to a dignified expression of religious feelings". Obviously, this referred to the law that actually bans the UOC.
It was noted that both parties paid special attention to the religious situation in the temporarily uncontrolled territories. In particular, they addressed "persecutions, repression, and restrictions on the activities of believers".
Earlier, the UOJ reported that from May 20, the State Service will begin an inspection of the Kyiv Metropolis of the UOC for ties with Russia. Yelensky stated that he already considers the Kyiv Metropolis of the UOC to be affiliated with the ROC.
Read also
Major U.S. hospital network refuses to implement new assisted suicide law
Advocate Health Care said it would not participate in Illinois’ assisted suicide program.
OCU activists call TRC to service of persecuted UOC community in Kremenchuk
After seizing the Holy Trinity Church in Kremenchuk, Dumenko's followers attempted to disrupt the worship service of UOC believers held in the open air.
Bila Tserkva authorities attempting to seize monastery building from UOC
The Bila Tserkva City Council is attempting to reclaim the buildings of the St. Mary Magdalene Convent for communal ownership through the courts.
Egyptian police arrest Christians targeted in Muslim attacks
Copts were released once they withdrew their complaints against their assailants.
Primate of Macedonian Church congratulates Lavra's abbot on name day
Archbishop Stefan noted the zeal of the Lavra's abbot, who shares the sorrows of his flock.
Persecuted community in Stari Broskivtsi marks patronal feast in new church
The rector thanked the faithful for building a new church to replace the one that was seized.