Ministry of Culture: Lavra is taken away – UOC did not want to disavow ROC
Oleksandr Tkachenko was not informed about the Council of the UOC on May 27, 2022. Photo: screenshot of the TSN YouTube channel
In an interview with TSN, Minister of Culture Oleksandr Tkachenko stated that the expulsion of the UOC from the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra is “a natural regular process, since the UOC-MP did not engage in the dialogue on distancing itself from the Russian Church, which supports Russia’s war against Ukraine.”
Therefore, Tkachenko believes, "the question that now arose was obvious." The minister said that "since the middle of last year, we started talking with law enforcement officers regarding the verification of the use of the property of the Lower Lavra by the UOC-MP."
During this time, according to Tkachenko, “many things happened, including criminal investigations against some representatives of the UOC-MP for collaboration, and sanctioned persons appeared, including Metropolitans Anthony and Pavel, who for some reason are still on the Lavra’s territory."
Recall that earlier the UOC held a Council, at which it announced a complete break with the Moscow Patriarchate.
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.
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.
UOC Priest Spared from Forced Conscription After Dramatic Intervention
Unlike other denominations, UOC clergy lack official exemptions, fueling accusations of targeted persecution amid ongoing war.