Yelensky accuses Orthodox Christians of "deafening silence" on Ukrainian war
Head of DESS, Viktor Yelensky. Photo: DESS website
On December 19, 2024, a conference titled “Current Issues in Ethnopolitics and Ensuring Freedom of Conscience in Ukraine: Domestic and European Experience” opened in Kyiv, organized by the State Service of Ukraine on Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience (DESS). This was reported by the State Ethnopolitics website.
In his address, Viktor Yelensky, DESS head, stated, “Attention must be drawn to the astonishing silence of the Orthodox world regarding the most unjust war of the 21st century, unleashed by Russia.”
“This concerns how religion behaves during wartime. We see a striking difference in this regard compared to past centuries,” he emphasized.
Yelensky did not specify whose silence among Orthodox representatives he was referring to.
As previously reported by the UOJ, the Synod of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church published data on deceased priests and destroyed churches.
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.