Novinsky: The shameful practice of seizing churches continues by inertia

Member of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Vadim Novinsky. Photo: ru.slovoidilo.ua

Six months have passed since the former President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko resigned, but by inertia, the seizure of churches is still ongoing, Vadim Novinsky, the deputy of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, commented on the situation in the religious life of the country.

“Shameful practice continues. Still, this is the inertia of the movement that was set by the previous President, the previous government. But this inertia is so great that so far – six months have passed since Poroshenko stepped down as President – all these events continue to this day," Novinsky said on the “1Kozak” TV channel.

The MP drew the attention of viewers that due to the efforts of Poroshenko a policy of slander on the canonical Church of Ukraine was imposed for a long time.

“All propaganda of that time was aimed at slandering and defaming our canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Unfortunately, this is still the case, and not all people understood the harmfulness of the policy pursued by the previous government,” Novinsky said.

He also noted that the UOC, despite the persecution, continues to build temples.

“All the other are just trying to take over someone else’s property and take something that does not belong to them,” the deputy added.

Previously, Novinsky emphasized that it was Poroshenko who betrayed the canonical Church and led pressure on it.

Read also

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.

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.