KDAiS Rector: Prohibition of religious groups typical of totalitarian regimes
KDAiS Rector, Archbishop Silvester (Stoychev). Photo: dialogtut.org
Rector of the Kyiv Theological Academy and Seminary Archbishop Silvester said that banning religious organizations is typical only for authoritarian and totalitarian regimes. He wrote this in an article published on the DialogTut website.
According to him, banning the UOC by the state would be a blow to the democratic principles of Ukrainian society. The bishop is sure that it is impossible to allow "such a transformation" of the state.
KDAiS Rector noted that during the 30 years of independence of Ukraine, no one had resorted to a legal ban on the Church.
He reminded that Ukraine is a secular state and therefore all religious organizations must be equal.
"In Ukraine, there hasn’t been the practice of legislative ban on churches or religious organizations. During the 30 years of independence, different religious figures could have been put on trial for their crimes and punished legally. But this has never meant a ban on religious organizations themselves," the bishop wrote.
As reported, the Verkhovna Rada said that the UOC can be banned only by a court ruling.
Read also
St. Sava Black Tie Gala Scheduled for November 8
The event will be held at the St. Regis Chicago and will suppport the mission of St. Sava Academy.
St. Paul's in Dayton, OH, to Host 4th Annual Liturgical Music Workshop
This two-day event welcomes church musicians, choir directors, chanters, and Orthodox music enthusiasts for fellowship, prayer, and skill-building in liturgical music.
Pat. of Alexandria Speaks of Egyptian President's 'Love and Concern' for Orthodox Church
In an interview conducted by the Prime Minister's office, Theodore II said of Abdel Fattah El-Sisi: “The President’s love and concern for the Greek Orthodox Church in Egypt are a precious treasure for all of us."
After Criticism from National Herald, GOARCH Shares Public Schedule of Pat. Bartholomew
Questions had previously been raised about the Patriarch of Constantinople's upcoming visit to the U.S., which initially had a schedule of meetings that was seemingly restricted to the more privileged members of the archdiocese.
Serbian Orthodox Priest: There Is Only One Canonical Orthodox Church in Ukraine — The UOC
Archpriest Slobodan Zeković affirms the exclusive canonical status of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church under Metropolitan Onuphry and explains the Church’s stance on Holy Communion and intercommunion with other Christian communities.
Pat. Porfirije: The Church Must Resist Applause at Appearing 'Modern'
Serbian Patriarch warns against diluting the Church’s mission during visit to historic Belgrade parish.