Lithuania bans Patriarch Kirill from entering the country

The Republic of Lithuania has banned the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, from entering the country because of his support for Russia's aggression in Ukraine, reports BNS with reference to the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry.

"Patriarch Kirill, Vladimir Putin's closest associate, is one of the most active supporters of the war against Ukraine, who has repeatedly publicly expressed positive views on the ongoing Russian aggression," the publication cited the foreign ministry as saying.

In Lithuania, Patriarch Kirill was added to the list of undesirable persons on June 23, 2022, but Vilnius announced it publicly on July 27, 2022.

The head of the Russian Orthodox Church will not be able to visit Lithuania until June 23, 2027, writes BNS.

As reported, Patriarch Kirill received the ruling bishops of the Luhansk and Rovenky eparchies.

.

Read also

Authorities cancelled the transfer of heritage churches to permanent use

The government replaced the permanent transfer of heritage churches to communities with temporary hourly access.

The OCU stated that the Pope is playing into Moscow's hands

An OCU cleric rebuked the Greek Catholics for their silence in the context of the Pope's statements about the necessity of peace.

Iran raises $1.3 million for sacrificial offering to pray for ayatollah's recovery

Iranians outraged by call to fund sacrificial ritual for the health of Ayatollah Khamenei.

Zelensky signs law on the National Pantheon

The National Pantheon of Ukraine will have a non-denominational status.

Ukraine now allows matronymics alongside patronymics

Ukrainian legislation has allowed people to change their patronymic since 2021, including replacing the father's name with the mother's name.

Kharkiv's gay community announces LGBT march

At the pride march in Kharkiv, participants will demand the legalization of same-sex marriages in Ukraine.