Yelensky: Local authorities cannot ban the UOC, it is illegal
Head of the State Service for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience Viktor Yelensky. Photo: dw.com
Viktor Yelensky, head of the State Service for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience, told DW that the actions of local authorities to ban the UOC in the regions are illegal.
According to him, the Verkhovna Rada is already considering a bill that will legally ban the activities of the Church.
“Local authorities cannot ban churches. The motives and aspirations are clear, but it is illegal. The government bill mentioned above, which is currently being considered in the Verkhovna Rada, is aimed precisely at making it impossible for the Moscow Patriarchate to manipulate the religious environment, which, in turn, is completely controlled by the Kremlin,” Yelensky said.
As reported by the UOJ, the representative of the President in the Verkhovna Rada said that a law would be passed in the near future to ban the UOC.
Read also
Metr. Saba Appeals for Lebanon Relief Donations
Metr. Saba calls for urgent donations to aid displaced families in Lebanon.
New Orthodox Parish School Set to Open in Pennsylvania
"The School has been in the prayers of St. John Chrysostom Orthodox Church since the community's founding in 1992," a press release states. "Through God, all things are possible!"
Ancient Monastic Complex Found in Egypt
A newly discovered Egyptian site highlights the scale and sophistication of early monastic life.
Ukrainian Protodeacon Alleges False Prosecutions of Priests
Protodeacon Vadim Novinsky said that the vast majority of criminal cases opened against Ukrainian Orthodox Church clergy are fabricated, with the government threatening them to accept plea deals.
Abp. Mark Visits Holy Apostles Parish for Lenten Weekend
Abp. Mark’s visit blended worship, teaching, and encouragement during the Lenten journey.
Abp. Alexei Delivers Lenten Homily in Anchorage
A Lenten homily in Alaska called the faithful back to patient, step-by-step transformation in Christ.