Yelensky set to create a position of Ambassador for Religious Freedom at MFA
Yelensky speaking at Kyiv StratCom Forum 2024. Photo: Kyiv StratCom Forum
The Head of the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience, Viktor Yelensky, has advocated for the establishment of a position of Ambassador for Religious Freedom at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, according to the department's website.
Yelensky stated that a similar position exists in other countries. He also emphasized the need to convey Ukraine's point of view to various religious organizations abroad to increase support for Ukraine.
In additon, the DESS head noted that the model of state-church and religious-community relations in Ukraine is unique for Europe. "In Ukraine, all religions and Churches are equal before the law, and representatives of different faiths hold the highest positions in the state," he reiterated.
As reported by the UOJ, UOC lawyer Robert Amsterdam stated that "before Mr. Yelenskyi's tenure as the Head of State Service of Ukraine for Ethnic Affairs, the UOC was guaranteed the right to practice their faith free from harm and harassment," but with his arrival, "all this changed."
Read also
Fr. Gabriel Bunge: From Benedictine Monk to Orthodox Hermit
Steeped in the writings of Evagrius Ponticus, Swiss Benedictine Gabriel Bunge converted to Russian Orthodoxy in 2010 and became Schiarchimandrite Gabriel, guiding souls through prayer and patristic wisdom from his Alpine skete.
Abp. Elpidophoros Honored at Record-Breaking Gala
Organizers hailed the milestone as a testament to unity, with a 25% increase over last year's giving.
Greek Abbot: LGBT Ideology Signals Antichrist's Approach
Fr. Dositheos told the UOJ that imposing LGBT ideology through education is a "war against God," signals the Antichrist's approach, and surpasses Sodom's depravity, urging repentance and a return to Orthodox roots.
Abp. Elpidophoros "Excited" about Orthodox-Miaphysite Dialogue
At Brookline conference, Archbishop Elpidophoros claimed that Orthodox and Miaphysites simply express the same beliefs in different ways.
Catholic Bishops Oppose Trump's Threat to Invade Nigeria
Abp. Ignatius Kaigama rejects U.S. President Trump's threat of airstrikes to protect Nigerian Christians, warning it would harm Christian-Muslim coexistence and urging diplomatic support, funding disruptions, and security training instead.
UOC-KP Dioceses Reject Filaret’s 'Coerced' OCU Meeting, Defends Independence
UOC-KP dioceses in Odesa-Balta and Sumy denounce Patriarch Filaret's November 5, 2025, meeting with OCU head Epifaniy Dumenko as coerced through abduction and psychotropic influence, vowing to defend the independent Kyiv Patriarchate and its primate's testament against dissolution attempts.