DESS: Humiliating citizens of Ukraine due to their church identity is wrong
The State Service of Ukraine for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience stated that cases of humiliation and persecution of Ukrainian citizens because of their affilliation to the UOC are unacceptable. This is said in a document published in response to claims from the “synod” of the OCU.
The statement says that the DESS strongly condemns cases of collaboration or the promotion of hostile propaganda by the enemy, which are not acceptable and believes that these crimes must be followed by an appropriate legal response.
“But it is also unacceptable to accuse all members of a large community of collaboration, when even less than 1% of its members are subject to suspicion, while the rest are praying for Ukraine and its defenders, collecting humanitarian aid and fighting on the front lines, crying and rejoicing together with the whole country. It is not permissible to humiliate the citizens of Ukraine, proclaim them enemies through their church identity, ethnic identity or language. Even if their church has a difficult history and a difficult present,” the State Ethnopolitics said.
Earlier, the UOJ reported the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience welcomed the aspirations of the OCU for a "broad Christian world."
Read also
Greek authorities to close illegal mosques in Athens
A large-scale inspection of religious sites has begun in Athens, during which authorities intend to close around 60 mosques operating without permits
Polish Church discusses prospects for Orthodox religious classes in schools
In Warsaw, representatives of the Polish Orthodox Church and the Ministry of National Education examined the future of Orthodox religious education in schools.
Bulgaria to allocate €1.5 million for road to Zograf Monastery on Mount Athos
The Bulgarian government will finance repairs to the road leading to Zograf Monastery on Mount Athos, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Kyiv–Pechersk Lavra brotherhood honors memory of Hieromartyr Volodymyr
Services were held at the Kyiv Lavra on the day of remembrance of St Volodymyr, Metropolitan of Kyiv and Halych.
Abp Elpidophoros: Ukraine will shape the future of inter-Orthodox relations
The head of the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s Archdiocese of America said that the outcome of the war in Ukraine will determine church relations among the Orthodox Churches.
Case opened against organizer of UOC believers’ cross procession in Bukovyna
Police drew up an administrative report against a believer of the Chernivtsi Eparchy who organized a prayer procession to the skete of Blessed Xenia of St Petersburg in the village of Molnytsia.