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

2025 St. Herman Youth Conference to Be Held in NY This December

Annual gathering to bring together Orthodox youth from across North America for fellowship, worship, and spiritual growth.

HCHC Community Holds All-Night Vigil Honoring Philoptochos Society and Its Patron Saints

Special prayers offered for members of the National Board and all Philoptochos chapters in gratitude for their decades of support.

Georgian Church Resumes Construction After Miracle

The foundation of a church was blessed at Georgia's Oncology Center — construction resumes on the Church of Ss. Panteleimon the Healer and John the Baptist.

BREAKING: Met. Arseny Hospitalized After Falling Ill During Court Hearing

Faithful urged to pray as proceedings in Sviatohirsk hierarch’s case continue daily.

Pat. Bartholomew: It Is a ‘Grave Sin’ To Put Politics Before Church Unity

"Those who jeopardize this unity in the name of geopolitical expediencies and base motives for acquiring earthly power—falsely cloaked in spirituality—commit an offense before God and a grave sin," the Ecumenical Patriarch said.

OCA Chancellor Visits Romania and Czech Lands and Slovakia

Archpriest Alessandro Margheritino represents Met. Tikhon at major church events and meetings with hierarchs of sister Churches.