MP: New bills on transfer of churches to OCU are on the agenda
Taras Batenko, head of the deputy group "For Future". Photo: MP’s Facebook page
Chairman of the deputy group "For Future" in the Verkhovna Rada Taras Batenko announced the appearance of new bills aimed at simplifying the transfer of churches of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church to the OCU or other confessions. The MP said this on the Rada TV channel.
According to him, "this (transfer of churches – Ed.) needs to be legislated better because the existing legislation is not enough.
"We have asked this question more than once and have put forward a demand to speed up these norms legislatively," Batenko said. “We, the leaders of the deputy factions and groups, are once again raising this issue with the chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, and I believe that we will hear some new legislative initiatives on this issue in the coming days".
As reported, on 8 April 2023, a crowd of OCU supporters seized St. Michael's Cathedral of the UOC in Shepetivka.
Read also
Wonderworking Hawaiian Iveron Icon Makes Historic First Visit to Japan
The wonderworking Hawaiian Iveron Icon made its first-ever pilgrimage to Japan, drawing hundreds of faithful to Tokyo and Kyoto for prayer, veneration, and a historic celebration of Orthodox unity.
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.