Yelensky assures Anglican Archbishop of 'unity of Ukraine's denominations'
Victor Yelensky and Justin Welby. Photo: DESS website
On February 6, 2024, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, met in Kyiv with the head of the State Ethnopolitics Service (DESS) Victor Yelensky, as reported on the DESS Facebook page.
DESS stated that during the meeting, "Yelensky exposed the horrific crimes committed against faith and human dignity by Russian occupiers in the occupied territories".
Speaking about the territories under Ukrainian control, the head of DESS "highlighted the unity of different religious denominations in Ukraine."
As reported by DESS, "Archbishop Welby emphasized that freedom of religion is one of the fundamental human rights, and the global community should be aware of the tragedy unfolding in Ukraine."
Regarding the purpose of the visit, the Archbishop of Canterbury noted that he came to the capital of Ukraine to hear the leaders and representatives of the Churches of Ukraine. He also expressed readiness to assist in the restoration of destroyed religious buildings.
At the same time, in the comments to the Facebook publication, Ukrainians did not support Yelensky.
Yuriy Doroshenko recalled the "communist" past of the current head of DESS: "Lustration? Never heard of it!!! A representative of the scientific atheism institute under the Central Committee of the Communist Party represents independent Ukraine!"
"The beating of Bishop Longin of the UOC – this is what the policy of transition to the OCU, which this organisation supports and promotes, has led to. Chaos in the religious field is part of your responsibility and organisation. Well, atheists are specialists in persecution," wrote Natalia Filyk.
As earlier reported, Dumenko and the Anglican Archbishop condemned the UOC for "fake persecutions".
Read also
Nebraska Pilgrims Pray at Gravesite of 'Apostle to the Plains'
Fr. Nicola Yanney - considered a saint by many in the Midwest - was the first priest ordained by St. Raphael of Brooklyn and reposed in 1918 after ministering to those suffering from Spanish Flu.
Estonian Parliament Overrules President, Moves to Ban Orthodox Church
Committee Chairman Ando Kiviberg defended the bill, prioritizing national security over religious freedom, though no specific threat from the church was cited.
UOC Bishop Warns of 'God's Wrath' Over Forced Mobilizations
“War will pass," Met. Luke said. "But we must all live with its consequences. And our children, too."
Mel Gibson Begins Filming 'The Resurrection of the Christ'
Gibson has long described The Resurrection as the most significant project of his career, underscoring its personal and artistic importance.
God Created Our Universe, Claims Bulgarian Scientist - And Offers a Wager
Valentin Velchev offers a bottle of premium cognac to any scientist who can refute his scientific proof for the existence of God.
5th-Century Christian Church With Mosaic Found in Turkey
A newly uncovered inscription at the church entrance reads: “Only those on the righteous path may enter here.”