VR Speaker: Banning UOC is not on Parliament’s agenda
Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk said in an interview with RBC-Ukraine that the bill to ban the UOC will not be considered in the near future.
"We have been discussing this issue for a long time within our political groups. And despite the fact that everyone somewhere inside has their own internal decision <...>, we have agreed as follows: during the war we have no right to pass any law that splits the Ukrainian society," Stefanchuk said.
As reported, in March 2022 several draft laws to ban the UOC were registered in the Verkhovna Rada at once. One of them was authored by Oksana Savchuk, an MP of the Ivano-Frankivsk region, whose regional centre has only one temple of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
The Advisor to the Head of the President’s Office Mykhaylo Podoliak was critical of the idea of banning the UOC and urged not to speculate on issues of faith.
Read also
Abp. Elpidophoros Approves "Food-sensitive" Eucharist
When Accessibility Crosses the Line: A Call for Faithful Integrity in Liturgical Practice
Kenyan Orthodox Priest Targeted, Guard Severely Wounded in Machete Attack
"We must not repay violence with violence." —Fr. Antipas
Procession of the Icon of the Theotokos at the Holy Monastery of Iveron on Mount Atho
Monks and pilgrims accompanied the Iveron Icon in a solemn procession around the Monastery and along the shore on Bright Tuesday.
The Mystery of Christian Love - Eulogy for the Funeral of Schema-Archimandrite Panteleimon
In his eulogy, Igumen Gabriel, Abbot-elect of Holy Cross, spoke of Fr. Panteleimon’s legacy and spiritual testament.
Trump and Zelensky Meet Before Pope Francis' Funeral in the Vatican
The meeting lasted about 15 minutes and focused on achieving peace in Ukraine.
In Wales, Muslim Teenagers Set Fire to Christian Church
The two teenagers, recent arrivals from Pakistan, were arrested on suspicion of arson.