Met. Clement: I wish the state did not avoid direct dialogue with the UOC
Metropolitan Clement (Vecheria). Photo: spzh.news
The head of the Synodal Information and Education Department of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Clement, in a commentary to the Strana online publication, expressed regret over the message from the presidential press secretary that Volodymyr Zelenskyy does not plan to meet with members of the Holy Synod of the UOC.
“We are very sorry that the state avoids direct contact and direct dialogue with a significant part of Ukrainian society – the believers of the UOC,” said the bishop. “We are very sorry that the state articulates absolutely distorted facts about the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The Church is accused of all sins, and at the same time it is deprived of any opportunity to explain its position and do everything to develop a harmonious dialogue and constructive cooperation between the Church and the state.”
Vladyka stressed that the hierarchy of the UOC would “continue endeavors to make the authorities hear their citizens."
“The highest bearer of power in Ukraine is the people, including the believers of the UOC, who today are in the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, their families, as well as many other conscious patriots of our state, whose religious feelings are bluntly slurred with statements and attitudes of the Ukrainian authorities,” the archpastor noted.
As the UOJ reported, Metropolitan Clement said that Volodymyr Zelenskyy does not receive truthful information about the UOC.
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.