OCU advocate speaks about his obstruction of UOC as a civil servant

Dmitry Gorevoy. Photo: radiosvoboda.org

Dmitry Gorevoy, head of the department of religions and nationalities of the Lviv Regional State Administration, spoke about his attitude as an official to the communities of the UOC.

Gorevoy noted that personal religious convictions and “expert religious activities” do not prevent him from fulfilling his official duties.

The official, who is the author and host of the program on the YouTube channel directed against the UOC, explained that in accordance with the current legislation, such activities are classified as "creativity", which is not prohibited for civil servants.

“Civil servants can engage in creative activities, which, in particular, are aimed at creating works of both text and audiovisual nature, as in my case,” said Gorevoy.

Gorevoy also assured that he “neither discriminates” particular religious organizations nor favors” any others.

At the same time, the state official noted that representatives of local communities of the UOC had already contacted him with inquiries, in response to which he provided information solely on the basis of the current legislation.

“For example, there were questions about re-registration of statutes or changing the rector. I explained how this should be done according to the current legislation: first the official name should be changed in accordance with the law of Ukraine on freedom of conscience, the order of the Ministry of Culture on the conduct of a religious examination and the like,” Gorevoy said.

In his opinion, he acts "exclusively within the framework of the current legislation," and considers "reproaches" in his bias "as a kind of PR campaign in order to denigrate and spoil his business reputation."

Earlier, the UOJ wrote that the OCU propagandist will head the Department of Religious Affairs of the Lviv Region.

Later it became known that "Miriane" would seek the dismissal of the hate-mongering official from the Lviv Regional State Administration. 

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.