UOC believers hand over their demands to Office of President of Ukraine

Believers of the UOC at the Office of the President in Kyiv, 15.06.21. Photo: t.me/upc_news

On June 15, believers of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church submitted bills against persecution of the Church to the Office of President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky.

The believers came in a cross procession from the Verkhovna Rada to the OP, where they held the prayer standing and handed over the bills to the people's deputies.

A representative of the President's Office came out to the believers, who brought a million signatures demanding to stop the persecution of the Church and abolish anti-church laws. He said that he would forward the appeal to the Secretariat.

As Archbishop Nikolai (Pochtovyi) of Vasylkiv, who was present at the moleben, said that the statement of the believers was accepted, and it remains to be hoped that the authorities will consider it.

As reported, on June 15, representatives of the NGO “Miriane” brought to the Verkhovna Rada two bills aimed at protecting the rights of UOC believers. The public association called on the Ukrainian Orthodox to join the prayer standing under the walls of the Parliament to support the initiative. Then the same bills were submitted to the Office of the President.

The UOJ broadcast the events live.

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.