State Dept on persecutions of UOC: Not aware, happy to check in
Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the US Department Vedant Patel. Photo: Vedant Patel's Twitter page
Vedant Patel, Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the US Department of State, said that he had no information about the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church by the Ukrainian authorities. He said this during a press briefing, the MQR HUB reports .
Patel noted that the US State Department would check this information and "return" to reporters with a new commentary.
“I have not seen those reports, so I can't speak to them. We are happy to check in,” he said.
The publication also writes that in recent weeks, "there has been an increase in the number of attacks on parishioners and attempts to seize churches belonging to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church by the schismatic Orthodox Church of Ukraine across the country."
Tensions between Kyiv and the canonical UOC escalated after Russia launched a military operation in Ukraine in February 2022.
"Some local authorities in Ukraine have banned the activities of the UOC due to its alleged ties with Moscow, and a bill was submitted to the Ukrainian parliament to outright ban the Church in the country. In addition, sanctions have been imposed on some members of the UOC clergy," notes the MQR HUB.
It will be reminded that the OCU was established on the basis of two schismatic organizations in late 2018. In 2019, the Patriarchate of Constantinople recognized this "church" and granted the OCU a “tomos of autocephaly”, which resulted in the severed communion between Constantinople and Moscow.
As reported by the UOJ, the ROCOR in America entreated the US authorities to protect 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.