Political expert: To take away Lavra is unethical, the state didn't build it
A religious procession of the UOC to the Lavra in 2021. Photo: UOJ
Ruslan Bortnik, the Director of the "Ukrainian Institute of Politics," in an interview with journalist and blogger Oleksandr Shelest, called the government's actions regarding the seizure of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra unethical.
"Even from an ethical standpoint, the state did not build the Lavra: neither the Ukrainian nor the Soviet one. The Lavra was established by a religious denomination. Even from this historical perspective, the state's ownership rights to the Lavra are very... (questionable – Ed.)," the politologist said.
In his opinion, there are many emotions and hype around the Lavra, as well as people who are trying to "warm their hands" and "grab pieces for themselves, stauropegias, and everything else".
He stated that he is a supporter of an independent Church in Ukraine. "But then independent from everyone," the political scientist stressed.
Ruslan Bortnik believes the authorities are doing with the Lavra brings great harm to Ukraine.
Read also
Met. Tikhon: 'Prayer for the Dead is One of the Great Acts of Christian Love'
His Beatitude offered a reflection for the Saturday of St. Demetrius and commemoration of the departed.
St. Jonah Orthodox Church Celebrates Centennial of Patron Saint's Repose with New Ordinations and Plans for a New Temple
Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal, Locum Tenens for ROCOR's Diocese of Chicago and Mid-America, leads festal services to mark 100 years since the repose of St. Jonah of Manchuria.
Faithful in Cyprus Publish Open Letter in Support of Met. Tychikos of Paphos
Lay group hails hierarch’s stance on ecclesiological purity as a “patristic confession” and urges prayers for his strength amid ongoing trials.
Miraculous Kursk Root Icon on Visit to Western Europe
The most sacred icon of ROCOR is traveling around the Diocese of Great Britian and Western Europe for eight weeks.
Texas Doctor Who 'Transitioned' Children Surrenders Medical License
May Lau had previously been sued by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton for providing prohibited “gender transition” treatments to nearly two dozen minors.
U.S. Couple Donates Relics of St. Arsenios to UOC Monastery
A sacred relic of St. Arsenios the Great was donated by a California couple to Ukraine’s Holy Dormition-Sviatogorsk Lavra, where it was solemnly received and venerated in a ceremony led by Met. Arseny.