"ES" deputy believes OCU clergy should receive state pensions

Mykola Kniazhytsky. Photo: 5.ua

MP from the European Solidarity party Mykola Kniazhytsky proposed an initiative to provide OCU clergy with state pension and social support, writes «Glavcom».

"The role of the Church in Ukrainian society is significant, and the state should pay more attention to its support, especially to those denominations that are traditional for Ukraine," said Kniazhytsky.

According to him, the OCU "clergy" in the country are practically deprived of social protection: they do not have pensions, systematic medical care, and other guarantees, "despite their important social and pastoral work, especially during the war".

The deputy believes that Ukraine could take an example from other countries where the clergy enjoy basic social rights.

As an example, he cited UGCC parishes in the west of the country, which actively participate in volunteering, organize summer camps, and hold cultural and educational activities. "They essentially function as full-fledged public organizations," he noted.

Kniazhytsky is convinced that the state should systematically support such initiatives: at the legislative, financial, and organizational levels, rather than relying solely on the enthusiasm of individual "priests" or "bishops".

Earlier, the UOJ wrote that, according to Kniazhytsky, very few» UOC communities have moved to the OCU.

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