Dumenko: Unless authorities support the OCU, Putin will come here
"Metropolitan" Epifaniy Dumenko. Photo: bbc.com
If the authorities do not support the OCU, Putin will come to Ukraine. This forecast was given by "Metropolitan" Epifaniy Dumenko in an interview with RBC-Ukraine.
Dumenko said that the authorities should support the OCU, since "there is an ongoing war," although "this is not visible in Kyiv and most of Ukraine." According to him, in all branches of government there are still people who “understand the significance of the existence of an independent autocephalous Orthodox Church in Ukraine,” but their number is not enough.
“The authorities, within the framework of the law, should support the development of the OCU, because it is the Church that strives for the Ukrainian state to be strong. This Church will always lend a shoulder to the Ukrainian state, because it aims to make Ukraine united. If we do not support the Ukrainian authorities, then there will be no Ukraine either. What happens next? Putin will come here. We see what is happening in Crimea and Donbas – there is no freedom there at all. Of course, we do not want to have the same scenario here,” said the head of the OCU.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that Dumenko stated that the longer the Ukrainian presidents are in power, the more they support the OCU.
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.