OCU intent on getting UN-aided permission from RF not to register in Crimea

Meeting of representatives of the OCU and the UN in Kyiv. Photo: OCU Facebook page

"Metropolitan" of the Crimean and Simferopol Orthodox Church of Ukraine (and formerly the UOC-KP) Kliment Kushch turned to the UN Security Council to consider the activities of his structure on the peninsula without registration, which is required by Russian legislation.

At a meeting with representatives of the organization, Kushch complained that the service of any priest in Crimea, if it is not registered on the territory of the Russian Federation, is considered “illegal missionary activity”, and called it a violation of freedom of religion.

“Addressing the permanent members of the UN Security Council, this influential international organization, I would ask you to support Ukraine and bring up the issue of preserving the Orthodox Church of Ukraine in Crimea at a session of the UN Security Council,” the official page of the OCU in Facebook reports. “I appeal to the world community: help us preserve the Orthodox Church. Help us preserve Ukrainian society. Help return Russia to the legal field so that they fulfill international agreements."

Earlier, the UOJ wrote how Russian citizen Pavel Kushch ("Metropolitan" Kliment) and the Russian authorities have been sorting out the relationship in the courts for six years, while representatives of the OCU are trying in every possible way to create an image of a "persecuted Church" on the peninsula.

Read also

St. Olga of Alaska Officially Glorified in Her Hometown of Kwethluk

First North American female saint honored in historic vigil attended by hundreds of pilgrims and hierarchs.

Pro-Constantinople Outlet Reports on Violent Cathedral Seizure in Chernivtsi

An article from the Orthodox Times highlights rising attacks against UOC faithful and clergy amid escalating church property disputes.

Metropolitan Longin Alleges Assassination Plot Against Him

Bancheny hierarch claims a group from Ivano-Frankivsk was sent to kill him.

Archbishop of Cyprus: Decision on Metropolitan Tychikos’ Appeal Expected in August

Hierarch retains presumption of innocence amid ongoing review by Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Holy Cross Seminarians Conclude Pilgrimage with Spiritual Encounters in Thessaloniki and Mount Athos

Students reflect on ministry and heritage during the final days of the transformative journey.

Estonian Government Passes New Law Against Orthodox Church

New legislation would force the Estonian Orthodox Church to cut its ties with the Moscow Patriarchate. This is depsite the fact that the Estonian Church has been autonomous since 1993.