Zelensky: Bolsheviks closed churches in Ukraine and turned them into offices
Photo: Zelensky recalled that churches were destroyed and closed under the Soviet Union. Source: Laura Loomer/X
Volodymyr Zelensky spoke about how the authorities destroyed and closed churches during the Soviet era. He made the remarks in an interview with American blogger Laura Loomer.
“They came, occupied the territories, and then destroyed your traditions, destroyed the churches. The churches – everything was closed. Churches were destroyed and demolished. They turned churches into bureaucratic offices and other things, but they were churches,” the president said indignantly.
He stressed that the Soviet authorities effectively replaced faith with ideology.
“They destroyed religion: no religion remained – only the Communist Party. That was the only religion. Then came the turn of traditions and language,” Zelensky added.
He did not say whether he sees any parallels with what the authorities are doing to the Orthodox Church in Ukraine today.
As the UOJ previously reported, MP Mykyta Poturaiev said that after the UOC is banned, its believers would be free to open casinos in their churches or use them to store vegetables.
Read also
Lavra lawyer details attack on him at court hearing
Lawyer Valerii Kushnir has filed a police complaint over threats and physical assault during a hearing at the Northern Commercial Court of Appeal.
Displaced UOC community celebrates patronal feast in makeshift church
Orthodox believers in Sarata, Odesa region, who lost their church in 2019, continue to hold services and maintain an active parish life.
TRC detains Kyiv Theological Academy professor
TRC officers in Kyiv stopped Kyiv Theological Academy professor Serhii Bortnyk and took him to their office in the Darnytsia district.
Shevchuk: Half of Kyiv region Can survive winter blackouts, all will be well
The UGCC head believes this winter could be the harshest in Ukraine’s modern history, but Kyiv residents will learn to live without electricity, water, and heating.
Upper Lavra court hearing postponed until October 20
The Northern Commercial Court of Appeal in Kyiv has postponed the hearing in the Upper Lavra case.
Radical attacks UOC lawyer at Upper Lavra court hearing
An ambulance was called for a UOC lawyer who sustained injuries in an attack by a radical.