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
Opening synagogues is our answer to Putin – Zelensky
Zelensky described synagogues, Holocaust memorials, and Ukraine’s law against antisemitism as the country’s answer to Russia’s accusations of Nazism.
Zelensky: Bolsheviks closed churches in Ukraine and turned them into offices
According to Zelensky, the Soviet authorities destroyed churches, converted church buildings into bureaucratic offices, and imposed a single “religion” – the Communist Party.
Kamianets Icon-Painting School continues enrollment for new academic year
Entrance examinations at the Kamianets-Podilskyi Icon-Painting School will take place on August 11–12.
Metropolitan Onuphry explains the spiritual meaning of Three-Handed Icon
At Kyiv’s Zverynets Monastery, His Beatitude recalled the history of the Three-Handed Icon of the Mother of God and the miracle experienced by St. John of Damascus.
Athos Hilandar Monastery holds all-night vigil for Three-Handed Icon Feast
Following the ancient Athonite tradition, the festive service at the Serbian monastery lasted throughout the night and concluded in the morning with the Divine Liturgy.
Lawyers file complaints with SBI and police over TRC abduction of UOC priest
Archpriest Nikita Chekman has announced new legal measures in response to the forcible abduction of Archpriest Vasyl Hel by masked men in balaclavas in Lutsk.