Ukrainian MFA claims ROC forcibly subordinates UOC communities
Metropolitan Hilarion of Donetsk was retired by the ROC on October 24, 2024. Photo: UOJ
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine stated on January 10 that religious communities remaining in the temporarily occupied territories have been forcibly subordinated to the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC), reports the MFA website mfa.gov.ua.
“Numerous Christian religious communities within the temporarily occupied territories have been forcibly compelled to submit to the de jure ‘religious’ organization, the Russian Orthodox Church, which in reality serves as an instrument of Russian state power,” the MFA said, likely referring to several dioceses of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC).
The statement also noted that over 630 places of worship and religious sites in Ukraine have been destroyed or damaged by shelling. According to reports, the majority of these belong to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
Previously, the UOJ published reflections on the autonomy of the UOC and the removal of the Donetsk Metropolitan.
Read also
Abp. Alexei: How to Pray as a Family
"If a family prays together," His Eminence said, "the household becomes a little tower in that vineyard."
Pat. Bartholomew Honors U.S. Traditions, Greek Heritage in Washington Visit
Bartholomew lays wreath at Arlington, meets with U.S. leaders, and blesses faithful in Virginia.
Police Return Relics of St. Raphael to St. Vladimir's Seminary
Yonkers officers, K9 unit honored with blessing and thanksgiving at the seminary.
Conference to Celebrate 100 Years of ROCOR in Germany
The event will take place from May 6-8, 2026 at the historic Blutenburg Castle near St. Job of Pochaev Monastery near Munich.
Patriarch of Alexandria Baptizes 100 in Madagascar
During his homily, Theodore II called baptism “the new birth of man."
Patriarch of Jerusalem Meets with President of Turkey
Theophilos III met with Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Constantinople. The following day, back in Jerusalem, Theophilos granted an audience to (among others) Abp. Nathanael of the Ethiopian Church in Jerusalem.