“This is an internal conflict”: Podoliak urges not to raise UOC ban issue
Commenting on the bill to ban the activities of the UOC in Ukraine, Advisor to the Head of the Office of the President Mikhail Podoliak noted that, unlike the ROC, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church takes a different position. He stated this during an interview on the Ukraine 24 channel.
Mikhail Podoliak was critical of the idea to ban the activities of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Ukraine and stressed that the positions of the ROC and the UOC regarding the war in Ukraine do not coincide.
The official also urged not to speculate on religious issues.
“I would ask people not to speculate on this, because we can trigger an internal conflict; however, the unity that Ukraine has demonstrated to the whole world is much more fundamental and much more important for us today.”
“The Ukrainian Orthodox Church will decide on its own how it will exist in the post-war Ukraine, because it will be crucial to it,” said the official.
Earlier, the UOJ reported the Verkhovna Rada had registered a bill to ban the UOC.
Read also
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.
Women and Girls at Risk in UK Sports Centres, Report Finds
A report reveals that mixed-sex changing rooms in UK sports centres are putting women and girls at serious risk of sexual assault and voyeurism, prompting calls for single-sex facilities.
ROCOR Subdeacon Invites Rep. Joe Wilson to Divine Liturgy
Gregory Levitsky is a constituent of the congressman and called him to “repent of false witness.”