Pavlenko: We’re creating Church for tens of millions unwilling to be in UOC
Former deputy head of the AP Rostislav Pavlenko
Church initiatives of the Ukrainian government have a very simple "message", said former deputy head of the Ukrainian Parliament Rostislav Pavlenko on the Hromadske TV channel.
"Since tens of millions of believers want canonical communication and do not see themselves in the Moscow Church, the task of the state is to create an independent Ukrainian Orthodox Church," Pavlenko said, adding that those who wish to remain in communion with Moscow have such a right and "the state will protect this right".
According to the State Statistics Committee on January 1, 2018, the population in Ukraine is 42 million 386.4 thousand people. At the same time, unofficial sources say that there are barely 38 million Ukrainians.
Read also
Abducted Ukrainian Deacon Dies During Military Training
Abducted and conscripted Ukrainian deacon Orest Black, known for his devotion and sacred singing, tragically died at age 46 during military training, leaving a legacy of faith and humility.
Court Hearing on Expulsion of Monks from Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Postponed Again
A long-delayed monastery lawsuit against a sanctuary faces yet another indefinite postponement after the presiding judge went on sick leave.
OCA Clergy Gather for Winter Synaxis Focused on Renewal and Resilience
More than 100 OCA clergy gathered online for the Winter 2025 Synaxis to pray, learn, and reflect on sustaining pastoral ministry and avoiding burnout through renewal in Christ.
Trump Administration Moves to Ban Federally Funded Transgender Procedures for Minors
The Trump administration is moving to bar federally funded hospitals from performing transgender medical procedures on minors, citing evidence of harm and a duty to protect children.
Bp. Theodosius: Ukraine's Authorities Classify Icons as Works of Art and Relics as Mummies
ROCOR hierarch links current policies toward holy sites and clergy to Soviet-era repression, calls for prayer and respect for religious freedom.
Society of St. John's Day of Action Gives Hope Persecution of UOC May Subside, Analyst Says
Political scientist says congressional outreach and high-level U.S. statements signal possible shift in response to persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.