Spokesman of UOC: No one has proved the guilt of sanctioned hierarchs in court

Archpriest Mykolai Danylevych. Photo: UOJ

The 17 clergymen of the UOC who fell under the sanctions will remain in Ukraine, but no one has legally proved their guilt, said Archpriest Mykolai Danylevych, Deputy Head of the DECR of the UOC, in an interview with Radio Svoboda.

“The position of the Church: if a person is guilty of something, there is an individual responsibility, not a collective one. Our clergy who fell under these sanctions will remain in the country simply to live and serve, but it would be legally correct to prove their guilt. Because guilt has not been proven in court yet,” the spokesman of the UOC said.

As the UOJ reported, on December 11, 2022, by decree 863, Volodymyr Zelenskyy put into effect the decision of the National Security and Defense Council "On the application of personal special economic and other restrictive measures (sanctions)" against bishops and other representatives of the UOC.

Read also

UOC Hierarch: The Church Does Not Endorse 'Holy War' Concept

"The assertion that the so-called 'special military operation' is a 'Holy War' contradicts the basic principles of Christian morality," Metr. Yevlohiy said.

Georgian Bishops Finalize Procedures for Patriarchal Election

Head of public relations for the Georgian Church says bishops finalized election procedures while emphasizing unity ahead of the patriarchal council.

SVS Press Releases New Volume by St. Maximus the Confessor

The publisher's new St. Maximus volume explores the theological foundations of Orthodox Christology and the defense of Chalcedon.

Abp. Daniel Announces Synodal Clergy Awards in Chicago Diocese

The Orthodox Church in America's Synodal awards recognized clergy across multiple ranks for dedicated service in the Midwestern diocese.

Registration Opens for First OCA-Wide Clergy Wives Retreat

The Orthodox Church in America’s first churchwide clergy wives retreat aims to strengthen ministry families through prayer, fellowship, and renewal.

Kimberly Guilfoyle Meets Ecumenical Patriarch in Athens

Kimberly Guilfoyle’s meeting with Patr. Bartholomew highlighted support for religious freedom and the global mission of the Orthodox Church.