Yelensky: We must stop the use of religion for subversive purposes

Viktor Yelensky. Photo: nfront.org.ua

On 21 December 2022, Viktor Yelenskyy, who was recently appointed the new head of the State Service for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience, said that "one of the most important directions is to prevent the manipulation of religion and its use by the enemy as a weapon”, reports lb.ua.

"The use of religion for subversive purposes is a separate story, monographs have been written about it. The enemy can use or try to use anyone, but we have to protect against it," Viktor Yelensky said.

At the same time, according to him, the state should allow religious organizations to express their religious feelings with dignity.

The new head of the DESS admitted that he has not yet figured out how the subordinate institution is organised. "I do not yet know how the service is organised. I know its aims and objectives, but I need to understand who works there. I know people professionally involved in religion, and ethnopolitics, but definitely not all of them. We need to talk about what tasks in the field of freedom of conscience they see as a priority," said Yelensky.

As reported, the Cabinet of Ministers approved Viktor Yelensky for the post of the head of the State Ethnopolitics Committee.

Read also

Interview with His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas, First Hierarch of ROCOR

The Southern Clergy Retreat and the Growth of Orthodoxy in the South

Eastern American Diocese (ROCOR) Southern Great Lenten Clergy Retreat

Atlanta, GA – Clergy from the Southern deaneries of the Eastern American Diocese gathered earlier this week for the Southern Great Lenten Clergy Retreat. 

Christian Orthodox Coalition Calls for Action Amid Syrian Crisis

March 19, 2025 – The Christian Orthodox Coalition in the United States has issued a powerful statement condemning the ongoing persecution of Orthodox Christians in war-torn Syria.

EP Hopes US Visit Will Boost Abp. Elpidophoros' Declining Influence

The National Herald reports that Patriarch Bartholomew will travel to America to seek new connections with Washington and support Archbishop Elpidophoros.

Metropolitan Joan of Korca elected as Primate of the Albanian Orthodox Church

Albanian Orthodox Church Elevates Met. Joan (Pelushi) to Primate After Archbishop Anastasi’s Repose

The 17th Anniversary of the Repose of Met. Laurus (Shkurla), First Hierarch of the ROCOR

Parishes of the Eastern American Diocese (ROCOR) lifted up their prayers in remembrance of the much-loved Vladyka Laurus on the anniversary of his repose.