Poroshenko to sign law on “guarantees of peaceful transfer” to OCU
President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko
President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko promised the other day to sign draft law No. 4128-d which had been adopted by the Rada and known as the law on church raiding.
"One of these days I will sign the law that will guarantee exclusively peaceful and voluntary transitions of communities," reports his words Interfax-Ukraine. “In a clear procedure, defined by the Law of Ukraine.”
The head of the OCU "Metropolitan" Epiphany recently said that the state should rationalize this transition so that the process would be "peaceful and without any confrontation."
The Rada adopted anti-church bill #4128-d on January 17. Observers note that this was a result of gross violations of parliamentary regulations. And Speaker Andrey Parubiy even ignored the request of deputies to hear opinions of the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations on the draft law.
The adopted law suits only one denomination – the OCU, and only one person needs it – Poroshenko, said MP Vadim Novinsky.
After the adoption of the draft law on Ukraine, the wave of church raiding intensified. On January 20, in the Volyn villages of Skobelka, Berestechko, Kutrov, Nichegovka and Bronitsa, the OCU activists tried to seize the temples of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Orthodox believers of Chernigov region turned to the head of Borzna District State Administration, Vera Proskura, with a request to return the church in the village of Olenovka, having been taken away by the OCU supporters with the participation of activists from the radical group S14.
Read also
Wonderworking Hawaiian Iveron Icon Makes Historic First Visit to Japan
The wonderworking Hawaiian Iveron Icon made its first-ever pilgrimage to Japan, drawing hundreds of faithful to Tokyo and Kyoto for prayer, veneration, and a historic celebration of Orthodox unity.
Abducted Ukrainian Deacon Dies During Military Training
Abducted and conscripted Ukrainian deacon Orest Cherny, 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.