Dumenko discusses law banning UOC with Turkish ambassador to Ukraine

The Turkish ambassador receives a gift from Dumenko. Photo: pomisna.info

On July 23, 2025, the head of the OCU, EpifaniyDumenko, discussed the law banning the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Turkey to Ukraine, Nariman Dzhelyal.

According to the OCU press service, the conversation covered the international situation, challenges posed by the ongoing war, the development of the OCU itself, and matters of interchurch and interreligious dialogue.

Special attention was given to the implementation of the law aimed at “protecting the spiritual sovereignty of Ukraine from the influence of the aggressor state.”

The two also discussed preparations for the celebration of the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council, as well as other “current issues.”

Recall that the “Council of Bishops” of the OCU previously praised the government for the law banning the UOC.

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