Yelensky urges to protect UOC from Russia
Viktor Yelensky. Photo: YouTube screenshot
The head of the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience (DESS), Viktor Yelensky, has called for the protection of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) from Russia. He made this statement during a DESS press conference titled "Freedom of Conscience in Ukraine: Its Enemies and Defenders."
"What is happening in the occupied territories does not fit any legal definition. These are killings, lawlessness, and torture. The martyrology of priests killed by Russian occupiers exceeds 40 individuals. Some were murdered while wearing liturgical vestments, making it impossible to confuse them with anyone else," Yelensky noted.
He emphasized that this issue affects virtually all religious organizations, including the UOC. "When the Russian state speaks of its intention to protect the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, the first step should be to protect it from Russia. Fourteen priests of this Church have been killed, nearly 200 churches destroyed, and those unwilling to transfer to the direct jurisdiction of Patriarch Kirill face persecution," Yelensky added.
As an example, he mentioned a priest named Maksimov from the Zaporizhzhia region, who was sentenced to 15 years for espionage by a Russian occupation court.
As reported by the UOJ, the head of DESS stated on a radio program that not a single UOC church in Ukraine has been closed, nor have any clergy of this Church been persecuted.
Read also
Pat. Bartholomew: It Is a ‘Grave Sin’ To Put Politics Before Church Unity
"Those who jeopardize this unity in the name of geopolitical expediencies and base motives for acquiring earthly power—falsely cloaked in spirituality—commit an offense before God and a grave sin," the Ecumenical Patriarch said.
Procession Held in Honor of St. Gabriel of Georgia
On Nov. 1, clergy, Mother Paraskeva, and Russian, Ukrainian, and Georgian faithful took part in a procession from the house of St. Gabriel the Confessor and Fool-for-Christ to the Samtavro Monastery.
Hierarchs of UOC Appeal to Zelenskyy in Defense of Met. Arseny
The episcopate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church called on Zelenskyy to stop the persecution of Met. Arseny and to ensure he receives medical treatment.
Moscow Synod Declares Day of Prayer Against Abortion
The Synod also revived the annual All-Moscow Cross Procession as a symbol of faith and unity.
Abp. John of Albania Meets with Pope Leo
Leaders discuss global peace, youth, and Christian cooperation at interfaith event.
Lawyer: The Health Condition of Met. Tychikos Remains Concerning
Met. Tychikos remains hospitalized in Athens.