Metropolitan Clement about Kyiv Caves Lavra: UOC will act within the law
Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. Photo: rbc.ru
The Chairman of the Synodal Information and Educational Department of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Clement (Vecheria) of Nizhyn and Pryluky, said that the UOC would act in accordance with Ukrainian legislation in relation to the Kyiv Caves Lavra.
In an interview with the UOJ correspondent, Metropolitan Clement commented on the demands of the Ukrainian authorities for the monks of the UOC to vacate the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra before March 29.
“Our actions will be in line with the legislation of Ukraine. To date, there are no legal grounds for the monks of the UOC to leave the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra,” the bishop said.
At the same time, Metropolitan Clement suggested that "illegal actions will be committed by certain officials."
“Therefore, we will do everything to prevent the violation of the constitutional rights of the believers of the UOC on March 29,” the bishop told the UOJ journalist.
Earlier, the UOJ wrote that Metropolitan Clement expressed regret over the message from the presidential press secretary that Volodymyr Zelenskyy does not plan to meet with members of the Holy Synod of the UOC.
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.