Court: Chaplain who removed flag from UOC church acted "out of love for Ukraine"
Holy Ascension Church of the UOC. Photo: Glavcom
The Dubno District Court of Rivne Region issued a ruling in a case involving a conflict between representatives of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) and the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), reports Glavcom.
The case stemmed from the actions of an OCU chaplain who, on December 8, 2024, defaced the fence of the UOC's Holy Ascension Church with the inscription "collaborators of russia" and removed a Ukrainian flag displayed on the church property.
According to the administrative protocol, the OCU chaplain justified his actions by claiming that the Ukrainian flag could not be present on the premises of an institution he believed to be "serving Moscow." Police documented the vandalism, noting that the chaplain's actions violated public morality.
However, the court did not find evidence of a crime in his actions. The ruling stated:
"He committed these actions out of love and respect for Ukraine and the Ukrainian army... As a military chaplain and volunteer, he has an acute sense of justice and was unable to restrain himself. The court cannot consider his actions as disrespect toward society."
As the UOJ previously reported, UOC lawyer Archpriest Nikita Chekman stated that criticism of the OCU is often met with sweeping accusations, while offenses against the feelings of UOC believers are rarely investigated.
Read also
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.
UOC Priest Spared from Forced Conscription After Dramatic Intervention
Unlike other denominations, UOC clergy lack official exemptions, fueling accusations of targeted persecution amid ongoing war.
Sen. Grassley Dismisses Persecution of UOC as Russian Propaganda
The comments were made in response to the pan-Orthodox summit held yesterday at the U.S. Capitol.