DESS expert: “The problem is that Metropolitan Onuphry doesn’t yield to pressure”
His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry. Photo: UOC press service
Andriy Smirnov, an external expert for the State Service for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience (DESS) and a member of the Synodal Commission of the OCU, commented on the revocation of Ukrainian citizenship from His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry, stating that the Primate of the UOC does not give in to pressure. He shared his views in an interview with the publication Glavred.
According to Smirnov, under current Ukrainian legislation, Metropolitan Onuphry has only three months to resolve his legal residency status in Ukraine.
He stated that, “if there is political will, the state may deport Metropolitan Onuphry for violating migration laws and lacking legal grounds to remain in Ukraine.”
However, Smirnov doubts that the authorities will take such a step.
“More likely, sanctions may be imposed against Metropolitan Onuphry as an additional lever of pressure,” he said. “But the problem is that he doesn’t yield to pressure and will not comply with DESS directives or make concessions to the state.”
As previously reported by the UOJ, dozens of videos have been recorded by UOC believers in support of His Beatitude.
Read also
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.
Court to choose preventive measure for Met. Arseniy in Dnipro on December 5
The prosecutor demands that the detention of the UOC hierarch be extended.