Union of Orthodox Lawyers gives assessment of church raiding in Pryputni

Church of the Nativity of the Virgin in Pryputni village. Photo: df.news

Lawyers of the Union of Orthodox Lawyers commented on the situation in the village of Pryputni, Chernihiv region, where unknown persons seized the church of the Nativity of the Virgin.

The UOL noted that the visitors attempted to take over the church back in 2019. However, the actions of the attackers went unpunished.

“Like last time, on April 4, the police did not react to criminal offenses by the supporters of the OCU,” the lawyers noted in their Telegram channel. "Therefore, without any resistance from the law enforcement agencies, the latter seized the temple replacing the locks."

Experts believe that the actions of the "military campaign headed by the former priest of the UOC Leonty" have signs of criminal offenses under three articles of the Criminal Code: 356 (arbitrariness), 180, part 1 (obstruction of the religious rite), 161, part 3 (violation of the equality of citizens depending on their religious beliefs).

The UOL added that in this situation, the inaction of the police also creates a crime under Part 2 of Art. 364 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (abuse of power or official position).

Earlier, Father Sergiy said the assaulters tried to seize the temple in Pryputni before, including with the help of threats.

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.