Latvian politician defending UOC summoned by State Security Service

Yuriy Zaitsev (left) at the picket. Photo: UOJ

In Latvia, former Daugavpils City Council deputy Yuriy Zaitsev has been summoned for a preventative discussion with the State Security Service on January 7 regarding his recent initiatives in support of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC). Zaitsev shared the summons on his Facebook page.

The State Security Service's interest was sparked by Zaitsev's involvement in organizing an international petition addressed to newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump and Senator James David Vance, calling for the protection of the canonical UOC from repressions in Ukraine. The petition, signed by dozens of individuals, was also supported by a picket held outside the U.S. Embassy in Dublin. Zaitsev, currently in Ireland, personally delivered the petition to the embassy.

The UOJ previously published the full text of the petition in defense of the UOC.

Read also

Media: Archbishop of Cyprus blackmails Pat. Bartholomew with Onuphry mention

"If you don't punish Tychikos, I will commemorate Onuphry!"

WCC Demands 'Protection' for St. Catherine's Monastery, Mount Sinai

The WCC also passed resolutions on the Armenian Genocide and the terrorist attack on Mar Elias Church in Damascus.

Russian Orthodox Church Provides Aid to Earthquake Victims

Volunteers from the Petropavlovsk and Kamchatka Diocese are providing food and aid at the Holy Trinity Cathedral’s humanitarian warehouse to support residents affected by a powerful 8.7-magnitude earthquake in Kamchatka.

Serbian Patriarch Slams 'Undemocratic' Ruling Against Republika Srpska Leader

Patrarch Porfirije condemned the verdict as "unlawful and undemocratic." He is a vocal supporter of autonomy for Bosnian Serbs.

UOC House Church Set Ablaze in Khmelnytskyi Region

Police have identified the arsonist.

World's Most Premature Baby Celebrates First Birthday

Iowa NICU defies “impossible” odds to save boy born at 21 weeks.