Criminal case initiated against OCU over seizure of church in Khoriv
Law enforcement authorities in the Rivne region have initiated criminal proceedings against representatives of the OCU, reports the press service of the Rivne Eparchy (UOC). The schismatics are charged with incitement of interfaith discord and seizure of Sts Peter and Paul’s Church in the village of Khoriv in the Ostroh district, as well as the use of false documents.
"Everyone will be held criminally responsible for each committed unlawful act," commented Raisa Dmytrenko, a lawyer of the Rivne Eparchy and a human rights activist.
The violation of Article 161 "Violation of equality of citizens on the basis of their race, nationality, religious beliefs, disability and other characteristics", Paragraph 3 "Actions committed by an organized group of people or entailing serious consequences" is punishable by imprisonment for a term of 5 to 8 years.
We remind you that the Kyiv Economic Court is already considering a case on the illegal registration of the OCU community. On 4 June, OCU raiders attempted to break into Sts Peter and Paul’s Church at night in order to seize it, then they interfered with the worship service. Fearing provocation, UOC worshippers were on duty outside the church at night.
As reported, a case was launched against the head of the Rivne Regional Council following a complaint by UOC clerics.
Read also
Shevchuk tells Budanov of UGCC’s “state-building role”
The head of the Uniates told the head of the Presidential Office that his Church was ready to partner with the state and presented him with a book on the work of special services in the Church.
Authorities decline to disclose Ukraine’s population size
The State Statistics Service acknowledged that it has up-to-date population estimates for the country, but has decided not to make them public.
Lithuanian govt vows to protect Orthodox Church from Russian intelligence
Lithuania’s Foreign Ministry has called for curbing the influence of Russian intelligence services on the Church, while an adviser to President Nausėda warned against labeling the entire structure a security threat.
During Ramadan, Patriarch Theodoros hosts Islamic iftar at his residence
Patriarch Theodoros of Alexandria hosted a meal for Muslim workers breaking their fast in the courtyard of the Patriarchate and thanked a sheikh for his “brotherhood.”
Lawsuit filed against Patriarch of Constantinople
A Turkish official has accused Patriarch Bartholomew and dozens of clergy of “illegal activity” and violating the Treaty of Lausanne.
OCU cleric buried with Church Slavonic funeral shroud
In the Ternopil Eparchy of the OCU, a cleric was buried under a funeral shroud bearing inscriptions in Church Slavonic.