Zoria: Russia influences Ukrainian religious organizations apart from UOC

Yevstratiy Zoria. Photo: Gazeta.ua

OCU spokesperson Yevstratiy Zoria has observed Russian influence on Ukrainian religious organizations. He discussed this in an interview with Gazeta.ua.

Zoria tasked the state with legislatively eliminating this instrument of Russian influence on Ukrainians.

"This does not concern freedom of religion but the completion of a logical series: if we do not have Russian banks and media, then there should not be Russian religious organizations either. This applies not only to Orthodoxy – Russian policy also extends to Protestant, Jewish, and Muslim communities on a smaller scale," he emphasized, calling for a legislative ban on this influence.

Previously, the head of the OCU, Epifaniy Dumenko, expressed a similar position.

As reported by the UOJ, the OCU spokesperson believes that by re-baptizing children after his religious structure, the UOC violates the canons and dogmas of Orthodoxy, as it is instructed by the ROC.

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.