Vladimir Zelensky meets with UOC believers at Rovno airport

Meeting of the UOC believers with Vladimir Zelensky, Rovno. Photo: UOJ

Today, on September 10, 2019, President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky met with believers of the UOC in Rovno, where he arrived on a working visit specifically to introduce the new head of the Rovno Regional State Administration. The meeting took place on the territory of the international airport, reports the correspondent of the Union of Orthodox Journalists.

Immediately after the official part at the airport, Vladimir Zelensky, accompanied by guards, approached the believers of the UOC, who had been waiting for his arrival since morning. They greeted the President with applause and bread on an embroidered towel.

In total, the conversation between Vladimir Zelensky and the faithful lasted a little more than five minutes. During this time, people managed to briefly outline the problem of confessional confrontations in Rovno region and asked the President to intervene and help defend their constitutional rights. Believers also sent letters of appeal from each community affected by the OCU raiding.

In turn, Vladimir Zelensky emphasized that the Church is separated from the state and promised to sort out the situation.

Recall that this morning, about 200 believers and 30 clergymen from the Rovno and Sarna Eparchies of the UOC gathered at the entrance to the international airport in Rovno to meet with President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky and ask him to protect their constitutional rights.

Read also

ROCOR Priest Reflects on Trip to Capitol Hill

Archpriest Victor Boldewskul participated in the Society of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco's Day of Action to raise awareness about the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

Hundreds of Chinese Christians Arrested in Pre-Christmas Crackdown

Hundreds of Chinese Christians face spending Christmas in detention after authorities launched a sweeping pre-holiday crackdown on churches under Beijing’s campaign to control religious life.

Ukraine Adviser: UOC Not Banned, but Offered a 'Choice' of Jurisdictions

A Ukrainian presidential adviser said the UOC is not banned but pressured to choose between joining the OCU, submitting to Constantinople, or remaining unregistered, while dismissing international concerns as propaganda.

Indiana Reports 98% Drop in Abortions Under Stricter Law

Indiana’s latest health report shows a 98% drop in reported abortions under stricter laws, though dozens still occurred under legal exceptions and concerns persist about unreported pill abortions.

Armenian Apostolic Church Pushes Back on Political Encroachment

The Armenian Apostolic Church plans to appeal to international bodies to resist government interference and defend its clergy and sacred relics.

Attempted Takeover at Armenian Etchmiadzin Cathedral Thwarted by Faithful

Supporters of Armenian PM Pashinyan attempted to storm Etchmiadzin Cathedral amid calls for the Catholicos’s resignation but were blocked by parishioners and security.