Apology or court: Legal Dept comments on KСSA deputy head’s words about UOC
Deputy head of the KSCA Volodymyr Prokopiv. Photo: vechirniy.kyiv.ua
Deputy head of the KCSA Volodymyr Prokopiv must apologise to the believers for his insults to the UOC, and if this is not done – the official will be brought to responsibility, reports the press service of the UOC Legal Department.
They noted that in his statements about the UOC Prokopiv deliberately uses the expression "Moscow Patriarchate" to form a negative attitude towards the denomination and incite inter-faith hatred.
The Legal Department believes that with his statements, the deputy head of the KCSA violates the prohibition to establish any advantages or restrictions of one religion over others.
The UOC also said that all of Prokopiv's accusations, in which he calls the Church an "FSB branch", are false and aimed at inciting hatred of some citizens of Ukraine against others.
"At the time when they (parishioners of the UOC – Ed.) are being dragged through the mud and slandered, a large number of UOC believers defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, participate in various volunteer and humanitarian missions," the message says.
Commenting on the official's words about the need to review economic relations with the UOC parishes in Kyiv, the Legal Department noted that such statements only confirm Prokopiv's deliberate actions to persecute religious communities.
"We urge Mr. Prokopiv to ask for forgiveness from the UOC faithful whom he insulted. Otherwise, we reserve the right to initiate prosecution of the head of the European Solidarity party in the Kyiv City Council," added the UOC lawyers.
As reported, the Kyiv City Council official said that the UOC keeps FSB agents in its churches.
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.