Ukrainian MP Alarmed by Youth Turnout at UOC Events

Turnout for the 8th Nativity Charity Festival of the UOC in Rivne. Photo: Rivne Eparchy

RIVNE, UKRAINE — Ukrainian MP Solomia Bobrovska said she is alarmed that the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) continues to attract large numbers of young people despite years of public efforts to discredit it. She made the remarks on January 30 during a broadcast on Espreso.TV, according to the UOC’s Information and Education Department.

Bobrovska cited the Rivne Diocese’s 8th Nativity charity festival, held January 23 at the Tekstylnyk cultural center, as evidence. Dedicated to the Nativity of Christ and fundraising for children with cancer, the event reportedly filled the hall and drew many young participants and attendees.

Calling the turnout a “failure,” Bobrovska said the festival exposed shortcomings by the state and other religious organizations. “There are a lot of young people there and work is being done with them,” she acknowledged, noting sustained youth engagement with the UOC.

The UOC said such statements reflect attempts to divide society during wartime rather than uphold constitutional religious freedom.

Previously, the UOJ reported that faithful UOC parishioners abandon cathedral taken by OCU.

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