Man on trial in Ternopil Region for criticizing trident symbols in churches

Fresco with the trident in the OCU cathedral in Kremenets. Photo: Typical Kremenets

In Ternopil Oblast, a criminal case has been opened against a man who criticized on social media the use of state symbols in churches, reports the outlet Za Zbruchem. Law enforcement authorities are charging the 63-year-old defendant with “inciting religious enmity.”

According to the pre-trial investigation, he “spoke negatively about reforms in the religious sphere, actively criticized the placement of the trident in churches and on icons, repeatedly denigrated official state symbols, and incited hostility and hatred among believers of different confessions.”

The man faces up to three years in prison. The case is being overseen by the Ternopil Regional Prosecutor’s Office.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that OCU clergy have been placing the trident on liturgical headwear.

 

 

 

Read also

Patriarch Theophilos addresses believers with words of support ahead of Pascha

The Primate of the Church of Jerusalem, in a video address, highlighted that even in conditions of war, Christians are not abandoned by God and place their hope solely in the Resurrection of Christ.

Muslims of Russia call war with Ukraine "sacred jihad"

The Mufti of Chechnya stated that all Islamic religious leaders should be ready to stand alongside RF soldiers.

Kyiv UOC Eparchy holds aid drive for children and people with disabilities

In Boyarka, Kyiv region, more than 50 families received food and clothing as part of a charitable outreach held on the eve of the feast of the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem.

New monastics tonsured at Putyvl’s Molchensky Convent

The ruling bishop of the Konotop Eparchy performed a monastic tonsure.

US Protestant Churches hold Easter events with drone shows and spectacles

Protestant communities in the United States marked Easter with large-scale events featuring drones, helicopters, and spectacle-driven shows aimed at drawing people in and conveying the Gospel message.

Temporary church of persecuted UOC community burns down in Telchi

In Volyn, a fire has effectively destroyed the building where the faithful had been praying after their church was seized.