Ex-head of Rivne Regional Council about UOC believers: Either we or they
The former head of the Rivne Regional Council Serhiy Kondrachuk, commenting on the criminal proceedings that were opened against him by the Rivne City Court because of persecution of UOC believers, said that in order to conduct a proper questioning, an investigator would need half a day. He said this in the programme "New Rules" on the "Rivne 1" TV channel.
A criminal case against Kondrachuk was opened under three articles, including inciting interfaith hatred and insulting honour and dignity.
"The statement against me was signed by the entire leadership of the UOC in the Rivne Region, including Archbishop Pimen, all the deaneries, all the abbots of the monasteries," Kondrachuk said.
Also, the former head of the Rivne Regional Council noted that a preliminary questioning had already been conducted in the criminal case, but the full meeting at which Kondrachuk is to give all the evidence was postponed.
"I take it calmly. Perhaps this structure (the UOC – Ed.) decided that the best defence is an attack, but I have already said that in this battle, either we or they," the former official resumed.
During a regular session of the Rivne Regional Council, the deputies dismissed its chairman who had tried several times to ban the activities of the UOC in the region. According to Kondrachuk's statement, he lost his post because "by his attempts to ban the UOC, he is splitting society".
Read also
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.”
U.S. Reps. Show Solidarity with Plight of UOC
As part of the Society of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco’s Day of Action on Capitol Hill, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ), and Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) gave pointed remarks during a press conference.