MP: UOC feels comfortable abroad because there is no law on its ban

Mykyta Poturaiev. Photo: Ukrinform

Member of Parliament Mykyta Poturaev lamented the free position of the UOC abroad due to the absence of prohibiting laws there, repors Espreso.

According to Poturaev, European states do not have regulatory acts to restrict the activities of church communities. "The UOC feels much freer abroad than in Ukraine," the MP said. "There is simply no law there that would impose restrictions similar to those of our state."

The deputy called the opening of new parishes abroad an alleged proof of the direct connection of the UOC with the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia. "When it (the UOC – Ed.) opens new parishes using the canonical territory of the Russian Church Abroad, it once again confirms that it is part of the ROC, despite all assurances to the contrary." The deputy chose not to provide examples of the use of ROCOR territory.

At the same time, Poturaev pointed to restrictions on the OCU outside the country. The Tomos of autocephaly establishes the canonical territory of the OCU exclusively within the borders of Ukraine. For this reason, the organization has no right to open its own separate churches abroad. "This is canon law, and the state cannot change anything here," the deputy concluded.

As the UOJ reported, Kyiv authorities held a forum on discrediting UOC communities in Europe.

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