Zelensky signs Law 8371 allowing for the ban of UOC

Volodymyr Zelensky. Photo: ZelenskyyUa

On August 24, 2024, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky signed the Verkhovna Rada-approved bill No. 8371 "On Protecting the Constitutional Order in the Field of Religious Organizations", aimed at banning the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC).

The law will come into effect 30 days after its publication. However, with the exception of one provision – according to which UOC communities will have nine months to sever ties with the Russian Orthodox Church.

As reported by the UOJ, while congratulating Ukrainians on Independence Day, the President stated that Ukrainian Orthodoxy is taking a step towards deliverance from the "Moscow demons".

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