2024: Twelve milestones
Traditionally, at the end of the year we offer our readers a selection of its main events.
The Law on UOC Ban
On 20 August 2024, the Verkhovna Rada passed draft law No. 8371, which was renamed for its second reading as " On the Protection of the Constitutional Order in the Field of Religious Organisations".
The decision was supported by 265 MPs, with 29 voting against and 4 abstaining. The distribution of votes was as follows: 173 MPs from the Servant of the People faction, 25 from European Solidarity, 17 from Batkivshchyna, 18 from Holos, 1 from the Platform for Life and Peace group, 11 from the Dovira group, 9 from For the Future, and 11 from non-factional groups and 0 from the Restoration of Ukraine faction.
This is the most controversial of the anti-church laws, allowing the state to ban the activities of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) based on Russian regulatory documents. Many prominent lawyers and human rights organisations stated that it clearly violates the Constitution of Ukraine and international human rights agreements. Nevertheless, the law was passed, signed by President Volodymyr Zelensky, and came into force on 23 September 2024.
Demolition of the Tithe Church in Kyiv
On the night of 16 to 17 May 2024, the authorities demolished the Tithe (Desiatynny) Church of the UOC in honour of the Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Princes Volodymyr and Olga.
The destruction of the sacred site was executed as though it were a military operation. Initially, buses carrying police and military personnel arrived at the monastery grounds, cordoning off the temple and preventing anyone from approaching it. Construction equipment and dump trucks were then brought in, and the remains of the church were loaded onto the trucks and transported away under police escort.
The Tithe Church has been destroyed three times in its history: first by the Tatars and Mongols in 1240, then by Soviet authorities in the 1930s, and now in 2024 under the government of Volodymyr Zelensky. The UOC fought for the preservation of the shrine, defended its rights in courts, but the authorities decided not to wait for court decisions, demonstrating their ruthlessness and intransigence in their fight against the Church.
Blocking all Orthodox websites
On 5 April 2024, the authorities blocked all websites covering the activities of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, including the Synodal Information and Education Department of the UOC (news.church.ua), the UOJ (spzh.media), "Orthodox Life" (pravlife.org), and "No to Schisms" (raskolam.net).
In response to a parliamentary enquiry by MP A. Dmytruk about the reasons for blocking the UOJ, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) stated that the action was taken "to identify threats to Ukraine's national security in the information sphere and to counter special information operations against Ukraine, aimed at undermining the constitutional order, violating sovereignty and territorial integrity, and aggravating the socio-political and socio-economic situation." No evidence of unlawful activity by these resources was presented, nor were there any court rulings permitting such website blocks.
Many experts viewed this as an attempt to clear the information field ahead of decisive actions by the authorities against the UOC. The goal of the blocking was to prevent the public, including the international community, from learning about the Ukrainian authorities' violations of religious rights and freedoms. Subsequent events fully confirmed this assumption. However, such attempts are doomed to fail in the age of modern information technologies.
Arrest of UOJ journalists
On 12 March 2024, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) conducted widespread searches in the workplaces and homes of Ukrainian journalists and human rights advocates.
The searches targeted staff of the online media “Union of Orthodox Journalists” and “Kozak1”, the public organisation “Myriany” and the human rights initiative “Legal Protection Centre”. Three UOJ journalists – Andriy Ovcharenko, Valeriy Stupnytsky, and Volodymyr Bobechko, as well as Archpriest Serhiy Chertylin – were arrested and placed in pre-trial detention. They faced the following charges:
- formation and participation in a criminal organisation;\
- high treason under martial law;
- collaborationist activities;
- incitement of religious enmity and hatred committed by an organised group;
- justification, recognition as lawful and denial of the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine.
Under the Criminal Code of Ukraine, these crimes carry penalties of up to life imprisonment with confiscation of property.
The evidence compiled by SBU investigators and presented in the indictment consisted solely of news reports and analytical articles published on the UOJ website. In essence, the journalists were accused of performing journalistic activities. No evidence was provided to indicate any connections or communications between the journalists and representatives of Russia, nor of receiving instructions or funding.
Despite the absurdity of the accusations, the period of detention in a pre-trial facility was repeatedly extended, and the journalists spent up to eight months in custody before being released on bail. However, the threat of further criminal prosecution against them remains.
Arrest of Metropolitan Arseniy of Sviatohirsk
On 24 April 2024, SBU officers arrested Metropolitan Arseniy of Sviatohirsk and placed him in a pre-trial detention centre. He was charged under Part 2 of Article 114-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (dissemination of information about the movement, transfer, or location of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) that could allow for their identification in the field).
The sole accusation against Metropolitan Arseniy stemmed from a sermon in which he complained about the actions of a checkpoint that was preventing pilgrims and volunteers from reaching the Sviatohirsk Lavra for the celebration of the Synaxis of Sviatohirsk Saints, marking the 15th anniversary of their canonisation. Importantly, the metropolitan did not mention any specific positions, and the fact that checkpoints are present in all villages near the Lavra is common knowledge. Nevertheless, the SBU alleged that Metropolitan Arseniy’s remarks amounted to informing the enemy of the location of Ukrainian military forces.
Despite the absurdity of these charges and the metropolitan’s poor health, the court refuses to change the measure of restraint for the bishop, and Metropolitan Arseniy is still behind bars.
Election of the Primate of the Bulgarian Church
On 30 June 2024, the election of the new Patriarch of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church took place in Sofia. Metropolitan Daniil, formerly of Vidin, was elected the new Patriarch.
Before the election, there was a serious struggle for the post of patriarch. Some candidates even visited the Phanar to seek the support of Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople; and in order to please him, they concelebrated with representatives of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), which the Bulgarian Church does not recognise. However, this did not help; and the hierarch who openly criticised both the OCU and Patriarch Bartholomew’s actions, urging to hold firmly to the purity of the Orthodox faith and observe the church canons, became the new Bulgarian Primate. One of his statements reads: "Instead of bringing peace to the Church, as Patriarch Bartholomew claims, he started a war in which those whom he proclaimed canonical are literally persecuting the canonical Church, seizing temples, beating priests, and killing."
Even when he was a metropolitan, the new Primate of the Bulgarian Church expressed his support for His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry and called for an end to the persecution of the UOC. His election marks the victory of those healthy ecclesiastical forces who do not agree to compromise on matters of faith and do the will of those in power.
Dismissal of Metropolitan Hilarion of Donetsk and the de facto seizure of the eparchy by the ROC
On 24 October 2024, the Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church decided to retire Metropolitan Hilarion of Donetsk and Mariupol, appointing in his place an archbishop from Russia, Metropolitan Vladimir of Vladivostok and Primorye.
The decision to retire Metropolitan Hilarion was justified by his health, but the real reason was quite different. He had not made any statements requesting to be relieved of his duties, and at the time of the Synod's decision, he was undergoing treatment in Germany and learned of his removal through the media. Additionally, the Metropolitan did not announce his departure from the UOC.
The dismissal of Metropolitan Hilarion, who had headed the Donetsk Eparchy for over 30 years, by the ROC Synod was a blatant interference in the affairs of the UOC, a violation of church canons, and also the ROC's own Statute, which states that all staffing decisions in the UOC are made by its governing bodies in Kyiv.
US Congress Report on COVID-19
On 3 December 2024, the US Congress released a 520-page report following a two-year investigation into the COVID-19 pandemic.
The report acknowledges that many widely accepted measures to curb the spread of COVID-19, such as social distancing and mandatory mask-wearing, were not backed by solid scientific evidence. In many cases, these measures caused "immeasurable harm" to both the physical and mental health of individuals, especially the youth. This conclusion is supported by other health organizations, which state that the lockdowns and total communication restrictions caused greater damage than the virus itself and indirectly led to a large number of deaths. The effectiveness of vaccines was found to have been greatly exaggerated, as were assurances about their safety.
It is worth recalling how the authorities heavily criticised the UOC for refusing to follow the widespread psychosis, to close churches and cancel services. The UOC was even accused of being responsible for deaths due to its stance on the Communion and other Sacraments. Church hierarchs called on people not to panic, to observe hygiene measures, and to rely on God in prayer. Authorities threatened the clergy with persecution for not promoting the official narratives on COVID-19. Now it turns out that the Church was right, and the authorities were wrong. Will any of the authorities admit it? Will anyone apologise?
Trump's victory in the US elections
On 5 November 2024, Donald Trump won a decisive victory in the US presidential election.
This man promises to legally enshrine the existence of only two genders: male and female, to end the promotion and support of LGBTQ rights, to cleanse the military of transgender individuals, and more. He speaks out against the infringement of religious freedom and the persecution of Christians worldwide. He is well informed about the persecution of the UOC in Ukraine. Members of his team are even more outspoken on this issue.
The elected US Vice President, JD Vance, stated: "What about the attacks on traditional Christian communities in Ukraine? The Ukrainian parliament is considering enacting a law that would dispossess a large number of Christian churches and communities in the country of Ukraine… The US is the largest Christian nation in the world. But what are the fruits of our policies? I believe, standing here, that this war will eventually lead to the displacement of a massive Christian community in Ukraine. And that will be our shame."
Future head of the Department of Government Efficiency, Vivek Ramaswamy, said: "Do you want to use U.S. taxpayer money to fund the banning of Christians? That is actually what’s happening. They’re using the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. They have banned them. The Ukrainian Parliament just did this last week, supported by our dollars."
Future Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, remarked: "Zelensky now has absolute control of Ukrainian media, outlawed opposition political parties and Ukraine’s Orthodox Church."
At the same time, Trump publicly refused to include the OCU lobbyist and one of its founders, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, in his team.
Whether the future American administration will fight for the rights of persecuted Christians in Ukraine remains to be seen. But the statements already made so far offer cautious hope.
Culinary show at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra
On 29 November 2024, a culinary TV show was held at the Refectory Church of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. Produced by Akim Halimov of "1+1 Media" and restaurateur Yevhen Klopotenko, the event featured cooking demonstrations, discussions about the culinary traditions of different regions of Ukraine, and the sacred significance of Christmas dishes, among other topics. Chairs were set up for the audience inside the church. This event provoked outrage among many people, including those who are not supporters of the UOC.
The lawyer for the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, Father Nikita Chekman, stated that the UOC is preparing an appeal to law enforcement and the ombudsman regarding the insult to the feelings of millions of believers caused by this sacrilege.
This event is on a par with the "military prayer breakfast" held by President Volodymyr Zelensky on 6 December 2024, when large screens featuring the image of the President covered the icons of the saints. Additionally, there was the performance of the "Kalyna" song and dance ensemble on 15 December 2024. The artists performed in a sacred place, where prayer used to be heard.
If people once believed the authorities' claims that monasteries and churches were being taken from the UOC so that the "right Church" could conduct services in the Ukrainian language, now everyone can see for themselves the real reason behind the church seizures.
Further expulsions of the UOC from historic temples
In 2024, the authorities continued to seize cathedrals and churches of historical significance from the UOC.
At the end of March 2024, the Economic Court of Kaniv ordered the Kyiv Metropolis of the UOC to return the Dormition (St George’s) Cathedral of the 12th century in Kaniv, Cherkasy region, to state ownership. The cathedral is a national cultural heritage site.
On 23 May 2024, the Appellate Court upheld the decision of the Kaniv Economic Court, and from 6 September 2024, following a ruling by the Supreme Court of Ukraine, the temple was transferred to state ownership and placed under the management of the Kaniv National Taras Shevchenko Reserve.
This cathedral was handed over to the UOC in 2003 in a dilapidated state, with only bare walls, no floor, and other severe damage. Over the years, the community restored the temple using its own funds, turning it into a jewel of Ukrainian architecture. Yet, without any compensation, the state simply took the cathedral back. Unfortunately, such "raiding" on behalf of the state is not only happening in Ukraine but is also widely accepted by many. Even if we do not go into the subtleties of the relationship between the property of the authorities and the UOC, this scheme resembles a confidence trick. First, the Bolsheviks take away the temple from the Church and bring it to complete ruin. The Ukrainian state (as the legal successor of the Ukrainian SSR) hands it back to the Church, waits until it is fully restored, and then seizes it again. What else could this be but a "business plan"?
Moreover, the state does not use these seized holy sites for religious purposes. In the confiscated Refectory Church, culinary shows, folk song and dance performances and other events are held. In the Transfiguration Cathedral of Chernihiv, taken from the UOC in December 2023, the National Architectural and Historical Reserve "Ancient Chernihiv" has set up a cinema hall.
On 1 November 2024, a screening of the documentary project "Chernihiv Principality: 1000 Years" was held in the cathedral. The screen was set up in front of the Royal Doors, and the audience was seated on chairs within the cathedral hall.
Soviet times seem to be repeating. Churches are turning into cinemas, clubs, and venues for entertainment and secular events.
Clash in Cherkasy as an embodiment of the "Christian" OCU
On 17 October 2024, St Michael’s Cathedral of the UOC in Cherkasy was seized. It was the most violent and bloody temple seizure in Ukraine in recent times.
On the night of 17 October 2024, around 3 a.m., approximately 100 people in camouflage and balaclavas stormed the territory of the cathedral. They beat and expelled the worshippers who were praying during the night Divine Liturgy. The enraged raiders broke windows, tore down doors, and eventually entered the church building and the eparchial administration.
After the faithful, together with Metropolitan Theodosiy of Cherkasy and Kaniv, tried to defend their shrine and pushed the church raiders out, radicals and government representatives began rallying their supporters in local public forums for a second attempt at storming the cathedral. This was actively encouraged by the mayor of Cherkasy, Anatoly Bondarenko. During this time, the believers discovered that the church had been robbed. The raiders looted the accounting office, stealing documents, church utensils, and equipment. $60,000 and 80,000 hryvnias, collected by parishioners for restoration and a bell, were taken. Two episcopal panagias with relics, crosses, icons, and other valuables were also stolen.
By the morning of 17 October 2024, the raiders launched their second assault. They beat parishioners, including women and the elderly, and used tear gas. Metropolitan Theodosiy was also injured, suffering a severe head wound, which led to hospitalization. In total, 12 people were sent to hospital, and 14 others received medical assistance on site. The main injuries were chemical burns from pepper spray and fractures.
During the assault, Metropolitan Theodosiy called on Patriarch Bartholomew to pay attention to the persecution of UOC believers. However, there was no response from Patriarch Bartholomew. It is important to note that the cathedral is the private property of the eparchy. The militants who seized it in the name of the mythical "OCU community" have no theoretical rights to it.
The bloody clash in Cherkasy once again demonstrated the true nature of the OCU. All the talk of this organisation's representatives about Christianity, the Gospel commandments, etc., is shattered by photographic and video evidence of what the OCU truly represents.
Afterword
The authorities continued and intensified the persecution of the UOC. In 2024, the seizures and "returning to the state" of UOC churches were accompanied by physical demolitions, the blocking of all church media resources, as well as the imprisonment of journalists and hierarchs. The seizures are becoming even more cynical and bloody. The lawlessness in Cherkasy showed that UOC believers today have no rights to protection, and the authorities will not react to anything.
This is clearly demonstrated by the law on UOC ban pushed through in the Rada. However, it should be noted that the authorities have softened the blow with a 9-month period given to communities to sever mythical ties with the Russian Orthodox Church. This was likely done with an eye on the outcome of the US presidential elections. There is a possibility that the Trump administration will force Zelensky to stop the UOC repression or at least make it less brutal. The year 2025 will show how justified these hopes are.
The believers of the Church in Ukraine should hardly hope for the administration of the United States or any other country. Our hope is not in princes, even if they are of the highest status. Our hope is in the Saviour alone.
