MP on storming UOC church in Kamyanets: Raiders are dividing the country

Artem Dmytruk. Photo: pravda.com.ua

On 20 August 2023, MP Artem Dmytruk commented on the attempted seizure of the Church of the Nativity of the Mother of God of the UOC in vlg. Dolzhok, a suburb of Kamyanets-Podilskyi.

The MP wrote on his Telegram that he finds it hard to believe that in a civilised state there is church raiding, attacks on priests and believers, and insulting believers' feelings.

He emphasised that all this is happening in "a state where there is a Constitution and its guarantor – the President of Ukraine, where law enforcement agencies are working".

"Why do in a warring country some youngsters beat people and seize the property of churches with impunity? Why do the police assist not the victims, but the attackers? Is it not enough for us to grieve from the aggressor who destroys our people and our temples? Why do the raiders cover themselves with pro-Ukrainian slogans?" the MP wonders.

In his opinion, the raiders "work against Ukraine and its people, split society and weaken the state, undermining our defence capability".

"Or have they been given the right to judge and punish?" Dmytruk asks.

He noted that "in wartime, you can only fight with the enemy, but as we see young and strong raiders, it is safer to fight with temples and peaceful citizens. While the best children of Ukraine are fighting at the front, someone is organising lawlessness in the rear."

"The stigma of violators of citizens’ rights and freedoms will be remembered worldwide for a long time. It is time to stop. Otherwise, the whole country will have to wash away the shame," the MP concluded.

As earlier reported, the storming of the temple in Dolzhok village involved people with satanic symbols on their clothes.

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.