Yelensky promises a change in attitude to UOC once it fully breaks with ROC

Viktor Yelensky. Photo: ukrinform.ua

The head of the Department for State Ethnopolitics of Ukraine, Victor Yelensky, promised that the attitude of Ukrainian society towards the UOC would change in the event of its "complete break" with the ROC.

Yelensky, commenting on the PACE statement, which said that the hierarchs of the ROC are complicit in war crimes, said that "although the PACE resolution is recommendatory, it plays an important role in shaping the European government's policy towards the ROC."

Viktor Yelensky also believes that the Baltic countries are resolutely opposed to the Russian Church.

"Latvia has declared by law the autocephaly of its Church. Estonia expelled Bishop Evgeny Reshetnikov from the country. Other steps will follow this. In particular, Sweden has already refused to finance the Russian Church," Viktor Yelensky added.

At the same time, the official is confident that the resolution also has a direct impact on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

"The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate continues to be 'de jure' part of the Russian Church, so now is a very suitable moment to finally secede the ROC. This will largely change the attitude of Ukrainian society towards the UOC," assured the head of State Ethnopolitics.

Earlier, the UOJ wrote that, according to Viktor Yelensky, the country's leadership is very interested in the unification of the OCU and the UOC.

Read also

Abducted Ukrainian Deacon Dies During Military Training

Abducted and conscripted Ukrainian deacon Orest Black, known for his devotion and sacred singing, tragically died at age 46 during military training, leaving a legacy of faith and humility.

Court Hearing on Expulsion of Monks from Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Postponed Again

A long-delayed monastery lawsuit against a sanctuary faces yet another indefinite postponement after the presiding judge went on sick leave.

OCA Clergy Gather for Winter Synaxis Focused on Renewal and Resilience

More than 100 OCA clergy gathered online for the Winter 2025 Synaxis to pray, learn, and reflect on sustaining pastoral ministry and avoiding burnout through renewal in Christ.

Trump Administration Moves to Ban Federally Funded Transgender Procedures for Minors

The Trump administration is moving to bar federally funded hospitals from performing transgender medical procedures on minors, citing evidence of harm and a duty to protect children.

Bp. Theodosius: Ukraine's Authorities Classify Icons as Works of Art and Relics as Mummies

ROCOR hierarch links current policies toward holy sites and clergy to Soviet-era repression, calls for prayer and respect for religious freedom.

Society of St. John's Day of Action Gives Hope Persecution of UOC May Subside, Analyst Says

Political scientist says congressional outreach and high-level U.S. statements signal possible shift in response to persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.