DESS to file lawsuits against every UOC eparchy
DESS head Viktor Yelensky. Photo: DESS Facebook page
The State Service for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience (DESS) plans to file lawsuits one by one seeking to terminate the activities of all eparchies of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Agency head Viktor Yelensky announced this, stressing that the process would follow the hierarchical structure of the UOC.
According to the official, the first step was the proceedings against the “center” – the Kyiv Metropolia. The case is currently being considered by the Administrative Cassation Court. Yelensky explained that only after these proceedings are completed will DESS be able to file lawsuits against regional subdivisions.
However, the agency’s plans have run into legal obstacles. The Sixth Administrative Court of Appeal declared Viktor Yelensky’s actions unlawful and annulled the conclusion of the religious-studies “expert examination” of the UOC Statute.
Under the court ruling, DESS is now required to issue a new conclusion to substantiate its claims against the Church.
Earlier, UOJ reported that the case involving the Kyiv Metropolia of the UOC will be heard on appeal.
Read also
Upper Lavra court hearing postponed
The next court hearing in the Upper Lavra case has been scheduled for November 3.
UOC priest blesses ambulances at Kamianske medical center
A UOC priest in Kamianske blessed ambulances for a medical facility and wished its doctors God's help in their work.
Dumenko to German ambassador: Law targeting UOC also applies to other groups
Epifaniy Dumenko sought to defend Ukraine’s law restricting religious organizations during a meeting with the German ambassador.
Activists bused to court hearings in UOC cases, media say
A minibus has been spotted transporting protesters to and from courthouses where UOC cases are being heard.
Firefighters save historic UOC church from fire in Zakarpattia
A fire broke out at a UOC church in the Tiachiv district, damaging the altar and church furnishings.
Volyn Eparchy faithful collect six tons of aid for Sviatohirsk Lavra
Believers in Volyn collected food and warm clothing for people displaced by the war who have found shelter at Sviatohirsk Lavra.