Filaret announces a UOC-KP protection forum and aims to turn to UN and OSCE
Filaret Denisenko. Photo: Getty Images / Global Images Ukraine
On December 20, 2019, Forum “In Defense of the Kiev Patriarchate” will be held in the Ukrainian House in Kiev, said “patriarch” Filaret Denisenko at a press conference on Friday, Interfax reports.
According to Filaret, the theme of the announced forum is “for Ukrainian, for the Kiev Patriarchate”. He noted that it is necessary to defend the Kiev Patriarchate, since "forces – both external and internal – are aimed at its destruction."
The head of the UOC-KP said that the forum participants would appeal to the people, "but, in addition, we also turn to the President as the guarantor of the Constitution to preserve religious freedom in Ukraine."
“Since there is a freedom of belief in Ukraine, the Kiev Patriarchate cannot be deregistered,” he stressed, adding that removing the UOC-KP from registration was illegal.
The “patriarch” also said that the UOC-KP intends to seek help from the world community, in particular the OSCE and the UN, “in order to protect our religious rights” and return the registration to the Kiev Patriarchate.
“We request the Ministry of Culture to return this registration to us and ask the president to contribute to the rule of law,” he added.
As reported by the UOJ, on December 14, 2019, the final liquidation of the UOC-KP and UAOC was announced at the "Bishops' Council" of the OCU.
Read also
Petition Warns Canada’s Hate Speech Law Could Criminalize Scripture
Thousands of Canadians have signed a petition urging the Liberal government to drop proposed hate-speech changes that critics warn could criminalize quoting the Bible and other religious texts.
JD Vance: Criticizing Israel Is Not Antisemitism
Vice President JD Vance said opposing Israeli policies is not the same as antisemitism, sparking debate over where criticism of Israel ends and hatred of Jews begins.
First Orthodox Prayer Book Published in Indonesian Language
The first Orthodox prayer book in Indonesian has been published and presented in Bekasi, providing local faithful and new converts with a vital resource for prayer and liturgical life.
OCA Joins Legal Challenge to Illinois Abortion Referral Law
Amicus brief argues mandate violates religious freedom and compels pro-life providers to contradict their faith.
EXCLUSIVE: Leaked Ukrainian Memo Says Religious Freedom is ‘Achilles Heel’
In an emergency strategy meeting held in response to the Society of St. John's Day of Action, D.C.-based Ukrainian lobbyists acknowledged the weight of the religious freedom issue as it pertains to the Ukrainian government’s public perception.
Historic $2.9 Million Bequest Strengthens Greek Orthodox Foundation
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Foundation has received a record $2.9 million bequest from the late Andy Efthim, a devoted layman whose faith-filled generosity will support the Church’s mission for generations.