Poltava Regional Council does not support UOC ban in Ukraine

On July 26, 2022, members of the Poltava Regional Council by a majority vote rejected an appeal to the President and the Parliament to ban the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the country, reports the “Poltavschina” website.

At a session of the Poltava Regional Council, deputies considered an appeal to the President and the Verkhovna Rada to ban the Ukrainian Orthodox Church on the territory of Ukraine. The prohibition initiative was put forward by Ihor Protsay of the European Solidarity party. According to him, the activity of the UOC threatens national security, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country, generates collaborationism, promotes interreligious hatred and destabilizes the religious environment.

The appeal was supported by 20 out of 63 MPs present at the meeting. Thirty deputies refused to vote, 12 abstained and one voted against it.

In general, none of the parties represented in the Poltava Regional Council showed unanimous support for the UOC ban. Even in the EU, one MP refused to vote.

As reported, Poroshenko's party members in the Poltava Regional Council demanded that the UOC be banned.

SBU told Phanar many UOC bishops would join OCU in 2018, report says

According to a Phanar representative’s account, Ukrainian security services told the Constantinople delegation that many UOC representatives were prepared to attend the OCU’s “Unification Council.” In the end, only two did.

Catholic cardinal visits Ukrainian POWs during trip to Russia

During three days of consultations in Moscow, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi discussed prospects for ending the war in Ukraine.

Ukrainians help restore Serbian Orthodox church in Paris

Orthodox Ukrainians have become regular parishioners of St. Sava Church in Paris and have taken part in its restoration.

Bulgarian Church clergy and laity oppose Phanar head’s visit

More than 2,000 clergy and laity have called for the Ecumenical Patriarch’s visit to be canceled, citing disagreement with his actions and concerns that the visit could legitimize schism.

Unknown intruders break down doors at two UOC churches in Sloviansk

Archbishop Paisiy said OCU activists are suspected of breaking into the churches in Sloviansk, and police have launched an investigation.

Sviatohirsk Lavra prays for murdered monk on 40th day after death

The brethren of the Sviatohirsk Lavra held a memorial service for murdered Monk Varsonofiy, calling on the faithful to pray for the newly departed monk.