To sign the petition against persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, click here or scroll down. To read the petition verbiage, click here or scroll down. To see the list of signatures, please click here, or scroll down. To view organizations who have received the petition so far, click here. For media links to coverage of the petition effort (that we know of), click here.
Many government officials and commentators in Ukraine claim that the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church is a foreign church collaborating with Russia and undermining the Ukrainian war effort. These accusations fuel an increasing persecution that threatens to end with a complete ban on the UOC’s very existence. Local bans have already been enacted, and a vote on a national one is likely to happen soon. As an example of local persecution, at a meeting on March 2nd, 65 deputies of the Kiev City Council condemned the activities of the UOC, accusing the Church of a number of state crimes, and adopted a decision forbidding the UOC from holding events outside her churches. Further, relevant departments were instructed to check communal property and land used by religious organizations.
Vadym Vasylchuk, a member of the Holos faction in the city council, spewed these charges at the meeting, “The activities of the UOC-MP create the prerequisites for hostility and intolerance towards other faiths and confessions, promote the spread of false information, promote the ideas of the ‘Russian world’ and do not recognize the unequivocal fact of the military aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine.”
The UOC has been subject to persecution since the 2018 founding of the Orthodox Church in Ukraine (OCU), but nothing like this. Violent seizures of parishes and monasteries, attacks on clergy and parishioners, intrusive searches by police of holy sites, planting of evidence to prove “collusion” with the Russians, and now even an outright, total ban of the UOC. (More information on the persecution of the UOC can be found here.)
The persecution is unjust, immoral, and illogical. The UOC is comprised of Ukrainians, led by Ukrainian bishops, and supports the Ukrainian war effort. According to official data, the church renders great assistance to the army, internally displaced persons, and the needy. The UOC assistance to the army has reached nearly a million dollars, and more than 180 tons of humanitarian aid have been delivered for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Hugely impressive numbers given that people in Ukraine are the poorest in Europe. In addition, at the UOC’s main council in May 2022, a number of decisions were adopted to break off all remaining ties with the Russian Orthodox Church.
There is no truth to any of the charges against the UOC. The heavy persecution, despite the Church’s efforts in support of the war and her innocence of any Russian collusion, leaves the Ukrainian members of the UOC bewildered. They cannot understand why all this is happening or what can be done about it. One heartbroken Ukrainian commenter on Orthodox Reflections put the situation in perspective:
Я підтримую УПЦ. I am the member of Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Now our church helps our army and people. Our Church and we pray for our country and soldiers. And it’s very terrible that the government of Ukraine doesn’t see our efforts and persecute our church. Please help us to protect our Church and Metropolitan Onufrii. Please let the world know about this problem and help us. I want to thank to everybody who supports our Church and to thank to everybody who created this petition. God will help all of you!
Persecuting the UOC does not help Ukraine’s war effort. In fact, it harms it. The UOC has not been helping the Russians. Rather she has been helping the Ukrainian people and Army. Anything that hurts the UOC makes it difficult for her to minister to those in need. Prior to the war, over 70% of the population of Ukraine belonged to the UOC. There is no way to know how many Ukrainians still belong to the UOC versus the OCU, but it is still a substantial number. Persecuting the UOC means causing disunity among the Ukrainian people. Disunity is the last thing the Ukrainian Government wants to provoke in a population suffering this badly.
The Ukrainian Government understood this at first. For the first six months of the war, Zelenskyy and Ukrainian officials emphasized that the UOC is a Ukrainian Church on the side of its people. It was only towards the end of 2022 that the Ukrainian Government severely turned on the UOC. The activities of the UOC did not change, so why is this persecution happening?
More than one reason. The first is politics. The Orthodox Church in Ukraine exists because of Petro Poroshenko’s presidential campaign. His platform was “army, language, faith.” He went to Istanbul to Patriarch Bartholomew and requested a tomos of autocephaly for the unrecognized, schismatic Ukrainian “churches” – the UOC-KP and the UAOC. At the same time, pressure was put on the UOC to join these breakaway structures. The UOC refused to cave, and so the OCU was born outside the canonical Church by the will of Patriarch Bartholomew. The US and its Western allies supported the move. To support the effort, Poroshenko began a campaign throughout the media calling the UOC the “Moscow Church” and the OCU the “Ukrainian,” even though there are only Ukrainians in both. (This smear campaign continues to this day.) Poroshenko’s government then started seizing Churches and giving them to the OCU. Ukrainian news reports in 2019 were full of photos and videos where church doors were broken open to forcibly change ownership. Things eased up some after Zelenskyy came into office, as he promised to stay out of Church affairs. Only now, things have gotten worse than ever.
OCU is a political creation. When it came into being, 70% of the population of Ukraine belonged to the UOC, which was already self-governing. The vast majority of Ukrainians saw no need for another Orthodox Church. But OCU is popular with the ultranationalists who are Zelenskyy’s base of support. No doubt the radicals feel that getting rid of the UOC will bolster their preferred church by removing any competition. Plus, the OCU itself has endorsed the persecution of its rival:
Therefore, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine supports the need to introduce a legislative ban on subordination (affiliation) of religious organizations in Ukraine to religious associations in the aggressor country – the Russian Federation. Such a ban does not concern freedom of religion and belief, but only administrative and legal issues. In conditions where the threat from the aggressor country’s use of pseudo-religious motivation and the administrative influence of Russian religious centers on religious organizations in Ukraine is quite real and poses a significant danger to the rights and freedoms of all citizens of Ukraine, to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our state, the establishment of legislative restrictions on the subordination of religious organizations in Ukraine to the Russian religious association is a democratic and necessary reaction to aggression.
The US government has a policy of supporting the OCU, and is continuously pressuring Orthodox Churches around the world to recognize it. Is the US government, on which the Ukrainian State is wholly and completely dependent for financing, in favor of persecuting the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church? Given the centrality of US influence in founding and nurturing the OCU, it is not unreasonable to assume that “knocking out” the spiritual competition would be popular in important Washingtonian circles.
Besides politics and international relations, the persecution of the UOC is likely a way to distract the Ukrainians from their misery. The war is going badly for Ukraine. The losses have been extremely high. Much infrastructure has been destroyed. The property damage is in the billions of dollars. Ukraine’s economy is practically non-existent. Naturally, many Ukrainians are angry and wish to hit back at Russia. Only their military can’t accomplish that for them. If you can’t get your revenge on actual Russians, why not strike at the “Russian Church” in your midst? For the Ukrainian Government, this is an opportunity to give a segment of its population a common enemy they can actually reach.
Who cares if the whole campaign of terror is based on lies and directed at fellow Ukrainians? Why let facts get in the way of a good witch hunt?
The faithful Orthodox Christians of the UOC need our help. They have suffered enough. The UOC is not a Russian institution. It is Ukrainian to the core. There is no justification for this immoral and unjust persecution. It is driven by politics and foreign meddling. It must stop. Those of us in the West, particularly Americans, must raise our voices to demand an end to it.
Please join the over 3,000 concerned people from around the globe in signing the petition below demanding an end to the persecution of the UOC. To sign the petition against persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, click here or scroll down. To read the petition verbiage, click here or scroll down. To see the list of signatures, please click here, or scroll down. To view organizations who have received the petition so far, click here. For media links to coverage of the petition effort (that we know of), click here.
Petition to End the Silence on Christian Persecution in Ukraine
The Ukrainian Orthodox Church is the canonical church in Ukraine headed by Metropolitan Onuphry. Prior to the war, approximately 70% of the population of Ukraine belonged to the UOC. Ukrainians overwhelmingly supported their Church, despite having been subjected to politically motivated persecution for many years. The violations of human rights directed at Orthodox Christians in Ukraine have included: forcible seizure / closure of parishes, unlawful arrests, physical abuse, abusive searches of holy sites, desecrations of holy objects, intentional targeting of parishes and holy sites for military attack, and acts of physical intimidation. Recently, local governments have banned the Ukrainian Church from even operating in their areas. President Zelensky of Ukraine has threatened to make this ban nationwide. The main churches of Kiev Caves Lavra have been removed from UOC jurisdiction, and schismatics have been allowed to use them for services.
We, the undersigned Orthodox Christians and allied Christians of good conscience, note three things. First, the situation in Ukraine is unjustified Christian persecution that violates all global norms. Second, the Ukrainian Government is wholly dependent on Western financial and military support for its continued existence. Therefore, Christians in the West bear a substantial responsibility to speak for the Ukrainian victims of persecution. Third, protests from official organizations matter more to those in power than collections of citizens.
Therefore, we signers of this petition call upon the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America, all Orthodox jurisdictions in the West, all official Orthodox Christian ministries and institutions of higher education, all human rights organizations, the Roman Catholic Church, all other Christian bodies of good will, and any other concerned organizations to immediately draft statements decrying the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and demanding its immediate cessation. We cannot be silent in the face of Christian persecution enabled by our own governments. Please join us in ending the persecution of the Body of Christ in Ukraine.
Dear representatives of the International Community!
Dear Brothers and Sisters!
You know that the UOC is being persecuted in Ukraine. The persecution is very cruel. Ukrainian Goebbels propaganda media incites hatred among Ukrainians towards the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. And by doing so they confirm their PARTICIPATION in the PERSECUTION OF THE UOC!!!! Dmitry Gordon and Olesia Batsman are very well-known journalists and TV presenters in Ukraine, as well as a married couple. Maybe you have heard of them? If not, I will tell you a little about them.
They are also participating in the persecution of the UOC (Gordon is an atheist). They SPILLED SLANDER AND DIRT AGAINST OUR UOC, as well as our UOC hierarchs, especially Metropolitan Pavlo – the Rector of the Kiev-Pecherska Lavra. They called him terrible names, and they also called our UOC – “a RUSSIAN branch of the FSB in Ukraine”, which is a terrible lie!!! They called our priests and hierarchs – Russian FSB officers in cassocks, thereby inciting hatred towards them among Ukrainians!!!
Thus, the Gordon spouses (Dmitry Gordon and Olesia Batsman) are also PERSECUTORS of the UOC. SHAME ON THEM!
Please watch these 2 videos in which Dmitry Gordon and Olesia Batsman SLANDER and pour dirt on our UOC and our Metropolitan Pavlo. Please, turn on English subtitles on YouTube to watch these videos. Look how they have fun and how they MOCK at the UOC, which is under TERRIBLE BLOODY PERSECUTION in Ukraine.
This really horrifies me! They, in my opinion, like the journalist Vitaly Portnikov, are RELIGIOUS CRIMINALS!!!
God bless you!
With love in Christ
Your sister in Christ and believer of the UOC
Avramenko Tetyana
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqsEFcLpeb4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtvosmzjD0I
Bancheny Monastery gives reason for Met Longin’s hospitalization
The monastery asks for holy prayers for the Metropolitan, who was taken away by ambulance.
During the regular court session on 30 October, Metropolitan Longin of Bancheny became ill and asked for a break until tomorrow, reports the Bancheny Monastery on its Telegram channel.
It is noted that the judge refused the request of the metropolitan.
The channel of the monastery published photos in which Met Longin is given first aid right in the courtroom, and then he is carried on a stretcher to the ambulance.
“The consequence of today’s court session over Metropolitan Longin,” reads the message. “We ask for holy prayers!”
As the UOJ reported, earlier MP Artem Dmytruk on his Telegram-channel called for prayers for the health of Metropolitan Longin of Bancheny, who was hospitalized after his physical state deteriorated during the court hearings.
https://spzh.live/en/news/82761-bancheny-monastery-gives-reason-for-met-longins-hospitalization
https://spzh.life/en/news/82758-after-court-hearings-met-longin-hospitalized-to-intensive-care-unit
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUNkHVbJDRs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1DqE_a3liw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n82yhA0rUaA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTZUqyr0QWM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KN1T6cA-3cM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBXtyMkfYyk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEccIhTNevQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtTJ4dsLEP8&t=47s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UyA6Zhv6c8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dgd2TNw7YoY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CF3cjXZ0w0k
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7i5FMiFWa4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaVFFOkuwV0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20R2y1tPG7Q
Dear brothers and sisters!
I thank all of you for supporting the UOC. God bless you!
In Ukraine, the brutal and bloody persecution of the UOC continues. OCU raiders continue to abuse believers and priests UOC with the support of the ukrainian authorities, the police and the SBU.
Please watch these videos. Among them is one of the video recordings of surveillance cameras that were located at the Archangel Michael Cathedral of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Cherkassy.
This recording records the night invasion of the OCU hired militants on the territory of the shrine on October 17. OCU cleric Nazarii Zasanskyi, who is easily recognizable even behind a mask, consults with the raiders on how best to break the video surveillance cameras:
“In short, the situation is as follows. The cameras show, although I disassembled 2 system cabinets. With the switches, with everything, I messed with it. And akuma, and supplementary feeding – I cut everything. The broadcast is going”, — reports one of the raiders.
They were very afraid that the cameras would record their crime. And the cameras recorded everything.
With love in Christ
Your sister in Christ
Tetyana Avramenko
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7tn7Hq1op8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrQ3xFLMwBs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRTbLcRIoko
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHXxnOlieCo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aFZ0avdA5U&t=1s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeOquQnIPys
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfGhSrT5s-Y&t=22s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQZJniKwzfM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ichK5yJ98EQ&t=8s
Patriarch Bartholomew!
A monument to you was recently erected in Australia and you took a photo with it!!!
In Ukraine there is already a monument to the BLOODY TOMOS, which you provided to Ukraine by committing a TERRIBLE BLOODY CATASTROPHE AND SIN!!!
Patriarch Bartholomew, did you hear about the BLOODY ATTACK on the Cathedral in Cherkassy??? And did you see how they beat Metropolitan Theodosius? How do you feel about this??? Doesn’t your conscience bother you?? Do you sleep peacefully?
After all, your great guilt is that in Ukraine the satanic Ukrainian government is PERSECUTING the UOC!!! Did you see the BLOODY RAIDER SEIZURES OF UOC TEMPLES??? HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THIS??? What will you say at God’s Judgment before God?? Do you still consider yourself a Christian?? Do you really consider yourself an Orthodox patriarch? Are you worthy of being called a Christian??
Watch these videos where you can see how these demons beat Metropolitan Theodosius, who a few days ago addressed you, Patriarch Bartholomew, regarding this BLOODY CRIME – one of the most terrible events in the history of the Orthodox Church!!!!!
Tetyana Avramenko
(UOC believer)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtv7X6N5t9A
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hoSmgTsbnPs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQQ8WGivMnk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3-h7wUXhYg&t=5s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0J3EkzbgXzs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uL4ZxHPj8aQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsS_EvV-_Bg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGara-L3nWE
https://spzh.live/en/news/82568-metropolitan-theodosiy-diagnosed-with-concussion
Metropolitan Theodosiy diagnosed with concussion
According to the Cherkasy Eparchy, over 10 parishioners from the cathedral have been hospitalized with injuries of varying severity following the recent events.
On October 19, 2024, it became known that Metropolitan Theodosiy of Cherkasy and Kaniv was diagnosed with a concussion after being beaten by representatives of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) during the seizure of the Cathedral, as reported by the press service of the Cherkasy Eparchy.
“During the forceful seizure of the Cathedral in Cherkasy, Metropolitan Theodosiy was among the injured. He has been diagnosed with a concussion, first-degree corneal burns in both eyes, and burns on his skin,” the press service stated.
Metropolitan Theodosiy is currently prescribed treatment and strict bed rest.
The diocese also reported that “more than 10 parishioners of the Cathedral have been hospitalized with injuries of varying severity, and several dozen are receiving outpatient treatment.”
The press service urged people to “not trust the disinformation from ‘honest’ media claiming that no believers were hospitalized and that the parishioners of the Cathedral attempted to ‘seize’ the church from themselves.”
“Trust common sense and your own eyes, as there are numerous photo and video testimonies of this brutal bloody crime against the faithful citizens of Ukraine,” the diocese wrote.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the SBU is demanding stricter detention measures for Metropolitan Theodosiy.
Cherkasy Cathedral seized, what’s next?On 17 October 2024, supporters of the OCU seized the Cathedral in Cherkasy. How can events unfold, and what could this mean for the Church?
A complete chronology of the seizure of St. Michael’s Cathedral is presented here: “Faith against violence: Chronicle of the UOC cathedral seizure in Cherkasy”. It is worth paying attention to several key points that will determine the future developments in Cherkasy and Ukraine as a whole.
Government favoritismThe takeover took place with full approval from the authorities, and most likely at their direct instruction. The Telegram channel “Resident”, citing an anonymous source in the Office of the President, reported that orders were given to seize cathedrals in UOC eparches. Local authorities had long expressed anti-church rhetoric. Many regional and city councils had passed decisions at their sessions to ban the UOC’s activities in their territories or had appealed to the Verkhovna Rada to enforce such a ban nationwide.
The mayor of Cherkasy, Anatoliy Bondarenko, openly expressed his intentions to transfer St. Michael’s Cathedral to the OCU and, a few days before, published an actual announcement of the seizure on Instagram. Moreover, between the first (unsuccessful) and second (successful) attempts to seize the cathedral, the mayor made a public appeal, de facto calling on OCU supporters to come and back the activists’ actions to take over the temple.
Several months ago, the UOJ suggested that failures on the front would push the authorities to intensify persecution of the UOC to distract public attention from their own erroneous decisions and redirect popular anger toward someone else. The Church is an ideal target for such manipulations: peaceful, defenceless, and willing to endure and forgive everything. Christ made the Church this way, and it must remain so, no matter what. Otherwise, it would cease to be the Church.
As early as 64 AD, the Roman Emperor Nero, needing to deflect blame from himself for the burning of Rome, pointed to Christians as the arsonists and staged a public, bloody reprisal against them to satisfy the wrath of the crowd. The same is happening today. In recent days, to the difficult situation on the front, a diplomatic failure of the so-called “Zelensky’s Victory Plan” has been added. Leading Western countries effectively denied the President of Ukraine key conditions of the plan: NATO membership and permission to strike deep into Russia. All these negative news stories for the authorities need to be compensated for and done so loudly. That’s why the targets were not simple parish churches, but cathedrals. Soon after the seizure of St. Michael’s Cathedral in Cherkasy, there was an attempt to seize the cathedral in Kremenchuk.
Inaction of law enforcementIn a constitutional state, which Ukraine is according to its Constitution, the law enforcement system should not be guided by political motives. Its role is to ensure strict adherence to the law and hold offenders accountable. In this case, there was a large-scale, blatant and completely unmasked violation of the law. This included physical violence, the use of firearms (or something resembling them), illegal entry into a building, robbery, threats, incitement of religious hatred, and much more. Yet law enforcers calmly observed these crimes and, not only did they do nothing, but according to eyewitnesses, they even facilitated these actions in certain ways. The seizure of St. Michael’s Cathedral is a violation of multiple Ukrainian laws and an infringement on basic rights and freedoms. However, there was almost no response from law enforcement.
Metropolitan Theodosiy of Cherkasy stated that the community of St. Michael’s Cathedral will defend their rights in court. This is the right course of action, but based on the experience of court proceedings related to the UOC, it is difficult to expect a fair trial. Just consider the persecution of UOJ journalists, who have been imprisoned for over six months merely for reporting the news. Time and again, courts have granted the absurd and immoral requests of prosecutors and investigators. This proves that Ukraine does not have an independent judiciary, as is also enshrined in the Constitution, and there is no opportunity for Ukrainian citizens to exercise their right to an independent, public and fair trial.
This indicates that while the authorities verbally commit to the path of European integration, in practice they are doing everything possible to prevent this integration from happening, distancing Ukraine further and further from European human rights standards and democratic principles of state and society. There are many statements from those in power claiming that Ukraine is not Russia – that we have democracy, while they have authoritarianism; that we have human rights, while they have the dominance of security forces. But in reality, the policy of the Ukrainian authorities is becoming increasingly similar to that of our adversary. We are adopting their authoritarian methods of governance, prioritizing political expediency over law and human rights, and shaping the state and society according to the same templates as the Russian Federation. In the end, this could lead to Ukraine’s defeat, because a democratic, legal state can defeat a large authoritarian country, but a small authoritarian state can never defeat a large authoritarian state.
Cruelty of attackersJudging by footage recoreded by eyewitnesses during the seizure, the attackers were given full carte blanche for any violence. They fired shots, sprayed tear gas on the faithful and brutally beat them, showing no concern for whom they struck. It’s important to note how harshly and skillfully they beat people – these are individuals who clearly know how to fight and do it often. The conclusion is obvious: these were militants, specially brought in and likely paid to do the dirty work.
This style strongly resembles the “titushky” from Yanukovych’s era. If the authorities want to do something outside the law, they turn to people like this. However, by doing so, they undermine the very foundation of the state, one of which is the government’s monopoly on legitimate violence. When the authorities allow such violence to be carried out by non-state actors operating outside the law, they destroy the state. If this is not stopped, Ukraine could descend into lawlessness, where power belongs to whoever can attract more “titushky” than their opponent.
The only way to resist such methods is through prayer and a willingness to sacrifice. The option of deploying strong young men from the faithful to confront these militants carries the risk of turning a situation where the Church defends its rights legally into a conflict between two groups equally breaking the law. Perhaps, this is exactly what the ideologists behind these church seizures want. Hiring legal security firms to protect UOC churches may be useful, but it’s clear that against such large-scale and well-organized operations like the seizure of the Cherkasy cathedral, this won’t help.
Steadfastness of believersAnother, and perhaps the most important, aspect of this event is that the St. Michael’s Cathedral community did not split into supporters and opponents of joining the OCU; nearly the entire community remained faithful to the Holy Church. The claims by Mayor A. Bondarenko and others that the community voted to transfer to the OCU are lies with no basis in reality. Everyone saw that the cathedral was seized not by believers or community members, but by strong men in balaclavas under the direction of OCU “priest” Nazariy Zasansky. Will they pray in this cathedral after the seizure? Will they maintain and repair it with their own funds? It’s laughable, isn’t it? Not to mention where the $60,000 and 80,000 hryvnias, which parishioners raised for restoration and a bell, will go – funds that were stolen during the seizure. Certainly not for their intended purpose.
If the community of St. Michael’s Cathedral, or at least part of it, had agreed to transfer to the OCU, they would have peacefully continued praying in the cathedral, with no one expelling them, threatening them or beating them. For Metropolitan Theodosiy, a move to the OCU would mean the closing of all criminal cases and a quiet life. For the priests, it would mean retaining their places of service and their corresponding incomes. But they chose suffering and faithfulness to God over peace and prosperity. The Apostle Paul wrote about this when he said that the prophet Moses “chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.” (Hebrews 11:25-26). It is in this “looking ahead to the reward” that the faithful must draw their strength. Today we are persecuted, humiliated and slandered; our churches are taken, and we are accused of lacking patriotism. But was not all this done to Christ by His own people? Did the apostles of Christ not endure all this? Have not the martyrs and all true followers of our Lord Jesus Christ experienced the same?
“Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.’” (Matthew 16:24-27).
What’s next?There were very few parishes in the UOC where the majority wanted to join the OCU, and they moved to the OCU quietly and peacefully. Most did so without their priests, as the clergy showed great steadfastness in their faith. There were a few more communities where opinions were divided, and these transferred to the OCU amid conflict and resistance. The faithful who remained with the Church formed their own community. Then there were more cases where one or two “Judas” stirred up trouble, agitating the faithful, involving the public misled by propaganda and bringing in activists to seize the church. In some cases, they succeeded. But as of today, it’s safe to say that all those who wanted to join the OCU have already done so. The Church is purified during times of persecution, and this cleansing is largely complete. Long before the creation of the OCU, there was a saying that roughly one in twelve Christians is a “Judas”. In this current phase of persecution, the percentage of “Judases” in the UOC has proven to be much smaller. Despite criminal cases, threats, imprisonments, attacks by militants, and much more, not a single bishop (except for Drabinko and Shostatsky, who left the UOC at the very beginning) has wanted to join the OCU project. There have been no mass transfers of communities or, especially, of the clergy.
Therefore, it’s reasonable to assume that going forward, if current trends continue, no one will join the OCU. This doesn’t mean there won’t be more church seizures – those will certainly continue. The UOC will likely lose more cathedrals and churches, but “The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man” (Acts 17:24).
God lives in human hearts, and only a person can drive Him out. If someone harbours malice, hatred or resentment in their heart, God will not dwell there. We won’t even talk about the militants and church raiders, but if the faithful, those who defend their churches and shrines, allow themselves to feel ungodly emotions or thoughts, they will indeed suffer a spiritual defeat. “And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold…” (Matt. 24:12). This is what we must fear and prevent. If we have love, no matter what happens, we are with God, we are in the Church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against us.
Metropolitan Theodosiy called the cathedral’s community to gather in homes for services. This is what will happen, and in God’s eyes, it will still be the same community, the same Church as when services were held in the cathedral.
Even if things are much simpler and poorer on the outside, the prayers will be even more fervent, the cry to God even more piercing, and the faith even more firm. Today, the St. Michael’s Cathedral community is facing hardship, just as Christians who lost their churches faced hardship yesterday, and as those who lose theirs tomorrow will also face. But they can be comforted with these words: “They took your cathedral—build a cathedral in your heart! Cleanse it of sin, of vain thoughts, of feelings unworthy of God! Invite the Spirit of God there: ‘Come and dwell in us…’ And you will see that what happened on 17 October and before to other churches, and what may happen in the future, was not a loss but a gain for you.”
https://spzh.live/en/zashhita-very/82577-cherkasy-cathedral-seized-whats-next
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAUuAz4Yru4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80E53V7hVWU&t=18s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suABfPlpTAs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVrR235YTus
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9dwJ-rkeaQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAbVa3HzDlk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6JpCjjOuso
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xkqCnmfkxk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrDpEIBR-o4&t=2s
Dear Brothers and Sisters!
Dear Representatives of Orthodox Reflections and the International Community!
Thank you for all that you do to support and protect the UOC. God bless you!
Please read this terrible information about what happened in Cherkassy!!! This is one of the most terrible events that took place during the persecution of the UOC by the satanic authorities of Zelensky and Poroshenko. Zelensky and Poroshenko have become the new Nero and Diocletian – some of the most brutal torturers and persecutors of Christians!!!
Please watch these videos. You can turn on English subtitles on YouTube. Please spread this information and tell everyone about these terrible events in Ukraine.
With love in Christ!
God bless you!
Your sister in Christ
Tetyana Avramenko
_______________________________________________________________________
Raiders in Cherkassy opened fire on UOC believers
Parishioners were gassed, beaten, and shot with a pistol.
On the night of October 17, 2024, at about 3 a.m., about 100 people in camouflage and balaclavas broke into the territory of the Archangel Michael Cathedral of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Cherkassy. The invaders tried to take the temple by force. When a group of UOC believers, led by Metropolitan Feodosiy of Cherkassy and Kanev, arrived at the scene, they organized the defense of the cathedral. However, people in camouflage opened fire with a gas pistol on parishioners. The attack was filmed on video, which shows how the invaders continued to shoot at believers while trying to escape. Despite the aggression of the OCU supporters, the believers managed to defend the temple, but a few hours later the UOC Cathedral in Cherkassy was seized.
26 people were injured during the seizure of the UOC Cathedral in Cherkassy, - medical service
12 people were hospitalized. During the violent seizure of the Archangel Michael Cathedral of the UOC in Cherkassy and the confrontation between paramilitary individuals against the clergy and believers of the UOC on October 17, dozens of people were injured. This was reported in a commentary to the local publication “18000” by the head of the Cherkassy emergency medical care Igor Fesun. He said that 14 victims were examined on an outpatient basis, another 12 were hospitalized.
Among the main injuries are burns of the mucous membranes from pepper spray, as well as several fractures.
In Cherkassy, Metropolitan Feodosiy was hospitalized after the seizure of the UOC cathedral Stormtroopers attacked the bishop and beat him.
On October 17, the Archangel Michael Cathedral of the UOC in Cherkassy was seized by unknown persons in camouflage on the second attempt. Metropolitan Feodosiy of Cherkassy and Kanev, who arrived to support the believers and help defend the temple, was attacked and hit on the head. He was also sprayed with tear gas. After the cathedral was stormed, the bishop addressed the believers and blessed them to leave the shrine and gather for prayer in private homes, and to seek medical attention for injuries sustained.
Many believers have vision problems from tear gas, and there are also concussions.
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https://spzh.life/en/news/82543-medical-service-26-people-were-injured-during-the-cherkasy-cathedral-raid
https://spzh.life/en/news/82534-metropolitan-theodosiy-hospitalized-after-uoc-cathedral-seizure-in-cherkasy
https://spzh.life/en/news/82542-uoc-chancellor-we-are-with-met-theodosiy-and-his-flock-with-all-our-hearts
https://spzh.life/en/news/82530-unknown-individuals-in-camouflage-seize-cherkasy-cathedral-on-the-second-try
https://spzh.life/en/news/82529-raiders-in-cherkasy-open-fire-on-uoc-believers
https://spzh.life/en/news/82539-amsterdam-urges-ukraines-partners-to-condemn-seizure-of-cherkasy-cathedral
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bD1Ypnzce4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQQ8WGivMnk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgXfLYvf4xA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyQ1YLQOsvg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpRo7l_Bn9I
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0K5fabHSps
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRERG9Sq_2M
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wl8QNWgAEyM
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/arzygPS13XQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFuZnzvGSwY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=roa_jN0GI0E
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgXfLYvf4xA&t=3s
Metropolitan Longin to Zelensky: Release my son from TRC
05 October 07:15
Metropolitan Longin (Zhar) of Bancheny addressed an appeal to the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky.
On October 4, 2024, Metropolitan Longin (Zhar) of Bancheny recorded a video appeal to President Zelensky, demanding his help in securing the release of his son, who was forcibly mobilized by TRC officials.
In his address, the metropolitan explained that his son, who was abducted by the TRC officers, has two young children, and his wife is nine months pregnant and is expected to give birth to their third child soon.
Metropolitan Longin believes that the actions of the TRC officials have nothing to do with Ukrainian law.
Later that same day, despite his own health problems, the metropolitan arrived at the building of the Chernivtsi TRC to demand his son’s release.
He described the actions of the TRC representatives, who “mobilized” the father of two children, as inhumane and promised to remain outside the TRC building until his son’s release is secured.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that two UOC priests were abducted by TRC officers in Zakarpattia. However, due to the active stance of UOC believers who demanded the release of the clergy, they were later freed.
https://spzh.live/en/news/82360-metropolitan-longin-to-zelensky-release-my-son-from-trchttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHkeoqysqV4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPvnmg20O4s
https://spzh.live/en/news/82401-mp-trc-officers-abducted-another-uoc-priest-in-kyiv
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjYkNACSUqUhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OipUyI-8oyI&t=21s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxOK8IkqFkA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bv6o_NgzjZ4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAh58-B91i4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqBt2c5_YLE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWlCokXp3Uk&t=1s
Dear Brothers and Sisters!
Thank you for everything! For your support of the UOC and your prayers! May the Lord bless all of you!
In Ukraine, the godless government continues to persecute priests and believers of the UOC. The biggest problem for the BLOODY Bolshevik demon Zelensky is the existence of the Church of Christ – the UOC!!! Now he asks the BLOODY Patriarch Bartholomew to give the schismatics of the OCU the status of a Patriarchate (!!!!!). What our government is doing to Metropolitan Arseniy – is REAL TORTURE!!!
The SBU (SSU), like demons, persecutes the UOC!!! The raider seizures of UOC churches by OCU schismatics are intensifying with the full support of the security forces and the government!!!
The churches of UOC have been burned!!! UKRAINIAN GOEBBELS-MEDIA, which works for Zelensky and Poroshenko, constantly slander and throw mud at the UOC!!! Priests and monks – are sent to the TCC to fight with weapons in their hands at the front!!!! Is this humane???? What is this satanist Zelensky and his predecessor Poroshenko doing with the UOC together with the SBU security forces and the police???? Previously, the first Christians were thrown into the arena to be eaten by lions! Now similar things are happening in Ukraine in relation to the UOC!!! THE UKRAINIAN AUTHORITIES DO NOT CONSIDER THE PRIESTS AND PARISHIONERS OF THE UOC AS PEOPLE AT ALL!!! THEY ARE TREATED LIKE ANIMALS!!!
Please turn on English subtitles on YouTube and watch these videos. Please tell everyone about these terrible events in Ukraine.
God bless you!
With love in Christ
Your sister in Christ
Tetyana Avramenko
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FICLy1rfM3M
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtuzXYR64fc
https://spzh.live/en/news/82147-zelensky-confirms-that-he-urged-phanar-to-grant-patriarchate-status-to-ocu
https://spzh.live/en/news/82127-ocu-supported-by-local-authorities-seize-last-uoc-church-in-irpin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fPK_eyBvs4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Mb0HZg26Lo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAejzBZ100U
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkBPldpj7u4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izMZYGrDtvQ&t=6s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0TlDaio8Gc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlpvuHiX1KY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVnO2ey0410
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJAB1DNNC4U
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=detkz3cT4fs&t=5s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1S6vZAyBwE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSxUgbRgvlU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhKM48gi2uc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEJ4252aYR0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFQJO4ukwmk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nGRsFFG0_8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQZTooqg9OE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVgzH2F9NhY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynU5EBiGuPk&t=2s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBPAN6NSkpY&t=6s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkXoYpKBrYw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwPQWRkKx9U
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWkOhkelNXQ&t=61s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozMk3uAT5AI&t=2s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHXU7ky1mho&t=2s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmZnrjNTltM&t=7s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWvEdssAv2Q
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJYLplcmoFE&t=16s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcoWwwfhzLY&t=15s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_u-FAyceQSE&t=2s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yw2Dfe4sXKA&t=5s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3eyC4sFD8E&t=5s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLmk-BcIsoY&t=3s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vFre65nkH0&t=42s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhHHOvR8jkg&t=3s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujwEfaDJMyU&t=10s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIFR3mOFxAE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32KSfJ9Q0Mg&t=1s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zK9NnTJvCyM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlsVc7UC_Y0&t=1s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYDNzOoVA_k
MP: In Zakarpattia, TCC employees abduct two UOC priests
Hundreds of people are gathering near the Khust TCC.
On September 22, after the Divine Liturgy, representatives of the Military Recruitment Office (TCC) in Zakarpattia abducted two priests of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), according to Ukrainian MP Artem Dmytruk in his Telegram channel.
According to Dmytruk, “Father Vasyl from the Khust diocese and Father Stepan from the Odesa diocese were grabbed and shoved into a van.”
“During the abduction, these brutes used force against the priests, took their phones, and turned them off. There is no contact with them, and their relatives don’t know their condition or whereabouts. The wife of one of the clergymen is pregnant! It’s known that the priests were driven around the entire Zakarpattia region for no clear reason,” the MP reported.
He added that currently, hundreds of people are gathering near the Khust Military Recruitment Office, blocking roads, including intercity highways. Local residents are helping the believers by providing transportation.
“Gather, come! The only way to protect citizens from these criminals and their attacks is by uniting. What they fear most is ordinary people!” he urged.
Dmytruk noted that he is writing a parliamentary appeal regarding the situation.
Earlier, it was reported that the Uzhhorod Military Recruitment Office had mobilized the abbot of a monastery in Zakarpattia.
https://spzh.live/en/news/82158-mp-in-zakarpattia-tcc-employees-abduct-two-uoc-priests
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zc7o9tOKEw4&lc=UgyJv85O3HWnRQemIAt4AaABAg.A8h4vISLmAeA8h8nvueYJe
Raiders in camouflage seize UOC church in Pryutivka
Fire extinguishers and gas canisters were used against the priests and believers of the UOC.
On August 31, a group of raiders in camouflage uniforms cut the locks and stormed the territory of the Church of Great Martyr George the Victorious of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) in the village of Pryutivka, Kirovohrad region. According to Metropolitan Boholep of Oleksandria and Svitlovodsk, who was present at the scene, the attackers used tear gas and fire extinguishers against Orthodox Christians.
The raiders barricaded themselves inside the holy site and refused to allow parishioners and clergy to enter the church.
Footage published by the Dozor_kozak1 Telegram channel shows the cynical behavior of the raiders. A fire extinguisher was used against the priest, and then a woman in camouflage began joyfully filming him with a phone camera.
Despite the church belonging to the UOC parish and ongoing court cases concerning document falsifications by activists of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), the police acted in favor of the criminals.
While believers were praying near the fence, the raiders were desecrating the church.
“Our people saw them through the windows running around the church… They were walking around with some drinks and showing disrespect towards the House of God. We don’t know what will happen to our property, the antimension, and we ask for your prayers so that our holy site is not desecrated, and that such cynical and unspiritual behavior is stopped,” said Metropolitan Boholep, who also requested prayers for the St. George community.
As UOJ reported earlier, Baummeister addressed the OCU noting that “the City of God cannot be taken through raiding or laws of the Verkhovna Rada.”
https://youtu.be/ULCjTyh5GTk?si=K5DLroBuc_0cAEsk
https://youtu.be/-mwFp5FQ52A?si=tajO4qZMHaQ1YHAp
https://spzh.live/en/news/81890-raiders-in-camouflage-seize-uoc-church-in-pryutivka
Dear brothers and sisters!
The Ukrainian authorities and security forces began to persecute the UOC more harshly after Zelenskyi signed the anti-Christian Law 8371 on the ban of the UOC in Ukraine on August 24, 2024 (Ukrainian Independence Day). This Law violates freedom of religion, freedom of speech and human rights, which is absolutely unacceptable. This Law is not from God, but from the devil and his servants – demons.
Raiders in military uniform, who invaded the territory of the St. George Church of the UOC in the village of Priyutivka on August 31, 2024 used force against the clergy of the church.
During the attack of these terrible godless people, it was recorded that they used fire extinguishers against the abbot and parishioners of the church.
The raiders injured the clergyman, but the police remained completely inactive.
The law enforcement officers, who were actually covering the criminals, refused to take the tear gas canisters from the raiders. According to evidence from this scene, gas was also used against believers.
During the whole time, together with the invaders were present schismatics of the OCU (“clerics” of the OCU) who supported these criminal activities.
God bless you!!!
With Love in Christ
Your sister in Christ
Tetyana Avramenko
https://youtu.be/e_x5kAOGBUs?si=L6IBE82ngCv-2fvu
https://youtu.be/K95iXBGrTMc?si=E6e_xHEuW-4w_6_2
https://youtu.be/vJYLplcmoFE?si=jVObuFOwND_1K6NN
https://youtu.be/vJYLplcmoFE?si=jVObuFOwND_1K6NN
https://youtu.be/4M5etN6VFuE?si=QAuhuUyACn1sS3sd
https://youtu.be/0cqF1bILiu8?si=srvI-myAnVX7bnRw
https://youtube.com/shorts/H7czpjksd5A?si=clebEUdYkgks6sU6
https://youtube.com/shorts/CcjGLp4Pud4?si=MgycWNVDsLbsyyyu
https://youtu.be/uQv_aHz47Ck?si=sRevUTzCt31Zalae
Dear Brothers and Sisters!
Please watch these videos…I have no words ..
With Love in Christ
Your sister in Christ
Tetyana Avramenko
https://youtu.be/_N7KancbCfY?si=bnlyMIqElIDYN9wR
https://youtube.com/shorts/asAGUf5KECE?si=Hb-k3d1ES5SJr3dL
https://youtu.be/Z4Y5o-LIyuU?si=yoJXmcbPv80dmnjr
https://youtu.be/Fkq9jRCkvNg?si=7tOQTcL4vPNot7tQ
https://youtu.be/XnkK144DnXU?si=bUbotD5YSoTZGwG-
https://youtu.be/Zu3pNycBjT0?si=dH16C3jd5_nrVAUx
https://youtu.be/FgFMIbCyVcE?si=_cbVyaop6v3LB1Kap
https://youtu.be/5oQ2FUPgIhY?si=Tx-5pFBlWNpQK9c1
https://youtu.be/MSUGyRXBbTM?si=ELIh5SLLEvXCOGav
https://youtu.be/Fmscp-4VXKg?si=Uhrp6SattOXv1lua
Dear Brothers and Sisters!
In Ukraine, the Verkhovna Rada deputies voted to adopt Law 8371 on the ban of the UOC…. They declared war to God!
But it is IMPOSSIBLE to ban God! And the last word will be Christ’s!
The words from the Orthodox Symbol of Faith come to my mind:
“..CRUCIFIED for us under Pontius Pilate, and SUFFERED, and was buried.
And RISEN (!!!!!!!) on the third day according to the Scriptures….”
CHRIST IS RISEN!!!
“…РАСПЯТОГО же за ны при Понти́йстем Пила́те, и СТРАДАВША, и погребе́нна.
И ВОСКРЕСШЕГО (!!!!!!!) в тре́тий день по Писа́нием….”
ХРИСТОС ВОСКРЕСЕ!!!
God bless you!!!
With Love in Christ!
Your sister in Christ
Tetyana AVRAMENKO
PS. Please watch these videos
http://youtube.com/post/Ugkx4KVk9t5Jt8dGdq2-tc7PqkOpi1FySIZy?si=76NFhXhVZBYPuaoh
https://youtube.com/shorts/wyLfrYhpqh8?si=RtiAkRNBUb5_-mS-
https://youtube.com/shorts/dZxx3sZWeeE?si=E8Oi5M4YTIxoEXKoB
https://youtube.com/shorts/fKmuc2pGlHc?si=60QnjGiTL0LiUX7a
https://youtu.be/mwjmusOw6Fk?si=w89UIlq1No2QvZo2
https://youtu.be/ihWICtaVNKM?si=7SElFtHLhwk6e_NX
https://youtu.be/yw2Dfe4sXKA?si=zxhfEvokpy8zwZ4h
https://youtu.be/HyaMykJqvyc?si=YnahFKf2cf2zfPXM
https://youtu.be/A3eyC4sFD8E?si=vgdFy2aNxSaOfKGx
https://youtu.be/S_o_ee-kjMM?si=4Eb-LWVz8bsXbg8v
https://youtu.be/S_o_ee-kjMM?si=4Eb-LWVz8bsXbg8v
https://youtu.be/11-YDrrhLsg?si=037dfsfzQkyqK5Xr
https://youtu.be/11-YDrrhLsg?si=037dfsfzQkyqK5Xr
https://youtu.be/2r4LmxXQ20Y?si=5rLFhf25lYkXhCmO
http://youtube.com/post/Ugkx0kAB-IOBMpRlNVstq1vDGdV23aUR63V7?si=daNbp5pFQ-pDNH9R
https://youtu.be/_AKSopNRmVo?si=htcF7Eg9r56WBIqU
https://youtu.be/PC-GJGXkOLQ?si=HzkIRBX71t1qmYte
https://youtu.be/GjFx-Gfite0?si=Z4J7a9cq_Vi4TUod
http://youtube.com/post/Ugkx5GabvjxyoeqMmYGUliQMeuUD-hhV_CB2?si=eCiV7t6Mb5Wr-SQQ
https://youtu.be/v28cREoaDYE?si=Z7vI881f2zipENFd
https://youtube.com/shorts/wnLCN7ZFtOs?si=pA1_AOG9SXKK7YNb
https://youtu.be/zRnL7oGjIX8?si=CMLxvG36OwbJbZEb
VRU Parliamentary Committee supports final version of Bill 8371
16 August 12:34
The bill has been renamed and is now titled “Protection of the Constitutional Order”.
Members of Parliament Volodymyr Vyatrovych and Iryna Herashchenko announced that the Committee on Humanitarian and Information Policy of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine had supported the final version of Bill 8371, which aims to ban the activities of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. They shared this information on their social media.
Herashchenko mentioned that the next plenary week will begin with the consideration of this bill in the session hall.
Deputy Chairperson of the Committee, MP Yevheniya Kravchuk, stated in an interview with Interfax that the bill had been renamed.
“The Committee unanimously recommended adopting the bill in the second reading and in general. Amendments for the second reading were discussed and supported. One of the key changes is the new title of the bill – ‘On the Protection of the Constitutional Order in the Activities of Religious Organizations,'” Kravchuk noted.
Kravchuk emphasized that the MPs also agreed on the timeline for the law’s entry into force: it will come into effect 30 days after publication, with the exception of two points. The first point concerns the start of the preparation of normative acts by the Cabinet of Ministers, which will begin the day after publication.
As reported by the UOJ, President Zelensky urged the Rada to convene and resolve the issue of “spiritual independence”.
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Zelensky: Law 8371 will enhance unity and spiritual solidarity
16 August 22:21
The President stated that the Council of Churches had approved the initiative on “spiritual independence”.
President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that he held a meeting with members of the Council of Churches and Religious Organizations and thanked them for supporting the course towards “spiritual independence”. He made this announcement in his video address on August 16.
“A draft law has been submitted to the Verkhovna Rada; it can actually guarantee that there will be no manipulation of the Ukrainian Church by Moscow. This draft law should work and contribute to the unity of Ukraine, our true spiritual unity,” Zelensky stated.
As the UOJ previously reported, the President had earlier urged the Rada to convene and resolve the issue of “spiritual independence”.
https://spzh.live/en/
https://spzh.live/en/
https://youtube.com/shorts/WdEurzI9wOw?si=5_wDJzjPZq1ei8cD
https://youtu.be/8FqR9xSI6kQ?si=S_EkUAwjcoqK8oHw
https://youtu.be/zBLhB_5goZw?si=hN3w5Xy9xPNvFtEr
https://youtu.be/PYaoFtlA69s?si=N1tDrYvKthqlHhnz
https://youtube.com/shorts/jdOsJYdkHSQ?si=oyeTIcxkTXWmHlfR
http://youtube.com/post/UgkxQPBRASFp4Mbb1j1_D3r-C7FyIN9phQZs?si=FghXrO-INw4LDGyl
https://youtu.be/V67lZSVWFrY?si=e-1GN38yw3ihHFCA
https://youtu.be/B0CXWc_-BhU?si=wtY0hOpGQ16w68nQ
https://youtu.be/dw2g_HtKeZo?si=HuhYsvF8Qe31Sr6Y
https://youtu.be/_HspldxJB4E?si=ese_kK5kOFWi-7Fl
https://youtu.be/ujwEfaDJMyU?si=iJmIbxf2H2vm-AQ7
https://youtu.be/QhHHOvR8jkg?si=M2lx92uMn0QamRNk
https://youtu.be/dwQefBjO9hU?si=zTxOkfGSyXCykPRE
Dear Brothers and Sisters!!!
Thank you for everything you do to support and protect the UOC!
God bless you!!!
In Ukraine, the godless government in the person of Ukrainian President Zelensky, as well as the former President of Ukraine – Poroshenko, wants to ban our Church of Christ – the UOC as quickly as possible!!! The Ukrainian government is Torturing Orthodox Christians and priests of the UOC because they DO NOT want to betray Jesus Christ and go over to the schismatics of the OCU.
Other problems that exist in Ukraine (there are a lot of such problems – war, poverty of people and flourishing corruption in Ukraine………..) DO NOT interest the Ukrainian government together with Poroshenko.. The only thing that interests all these demons in the person of Zelensky and Poroshenko and all their servants (with the ACTIVE support of the BLOODY Patriarch Bartholomew and his servants) – IS the complete destruction of our Ukrainian Orthodox Church – UOC (the adoption by the ukrainian VRU (very soon !!!!!!!!!!!!) of the demonic bill number 8371 on the Ban of the Church of Christ – the UOC!!!!!!).
But it is IMPOSSIBLE to declare war to God!!!
According to the events of world history – all persecutors of Christians and the Church of Christ ended very badly..
Please help UOC…
God bless you, all my dear brothers and sisters!
Your sister in Christ
Tetyana AVRAMENKO
https://youtu.be/ujwEfaDJMyU?si=N8oEh9p15lUnsEKH
https://youtube.com/shorts/PBhp88FM2nM?si=Y5bNiThMyqfROoev
https://www.youtube.com/live/5K-Eilkem1s?si=afPlus9yLP7tUK3y
https://youtu.be/cBjIr0YBb2o?si=tH6A9yy5KHEZSQw9
https://youtu.be/cjooYdtr5oA?si=ykfhwu0AmZVI9Skp
https://youtu.be/2CXKnQGQZ_I?si=pdT9H8Qp-RrgqYy8
https://youtu.be/obtAufehgag?si=xNkB-HbtlhvTX73C
http://youtube.com/post/Ugkxop1s2Qxi5H-hTRentQ21ybhLnbYSzTi2?si=Z8zskkwL9rI4vGtk
http://youtube.com/post/Ugkxd9jnvGtMxHdo3rrO8bqTcCM1a9NaXO2u?si=Xm2ls5cxaSYY4osV
https://youtu.be/sIjGbTEfo4U?si=FaBL1tu_rj0tXvDd
https://youtu.be/7-pKYjx5PNE?si=oCytGEe1yprT4EJS
https://youtu.be/XRxlq1c8uFg?si=XkGBHq1HmJdaZP6-
Today Metropolitan Arseniy was brought to court as an “especially dangerous criminal” in a glass capsule, 1 meter 50 cm high. And in handcuffs. In such a capsule he was transported to the building of the Ukrainian Court for 7 hours. And, violating human rights, Metropolitan Arseniy was not allowed to get out of this glass to sit next to his lawyers. According to the norms of international law – this is a terrible torture of a person. I have no words … My heart bleeds … Ukraine is becoming a country of Holy martyrs and confessors of the faith in Christ !!!
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/qte8s5QsBU4
Dear brothers and sisters!
Please watch this video with the former president of Ukraine – Petro Poroshenko. It is not necessary to translate Poroshenko’s words. Just look at the look and eyes of Petro Poroshenko. His eyes have become devilish, as if a legion of demons are looking through the eyes of Poroshenko – one of the Greatest Persecutors of the Church of Christ, the UOC. This is the demonic look of the devil Poroshenko, who declared war on God! What will Poroshenko and Patriarch Bartholomew say at God’s Judgment????
Dear Members of the International Community!
Dear Representatives of Orthodox Reflexions!
Dear Brothers and Sisters!
I would like to thank you and to draw your attention to one of the most prominent enemies of the UOC and the instigator of HATE against the UOC among the Ukrainian people – Ukrainian journalist and propagandist Vitaly Portnikov.
Vitaly Portnikov (Ukrainian: Виталий Едуардович Портников, romanized: Vitalii Eduardovych Portnykov; born 14 May 1967) is a Ukrainian editor and journalist. He graduated from the Moscow State University (Faculty of Journalism) in 1990.
In November 2013 Portnikov started creating programs for ESPRESO TV.
On this channel, journalists as Portnikov, always lie and slander the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
As a free-lance journalist Portnikov has been publishing articles in Russian newspapers Russkiy Telegraf, Kommersant, Vedomosti, Vremya MN, Vremya Novostei, Moskovskiye Novosti, Obschaya gazeta……
His broadcasts against the UOC are filled with slander and HATE.
He made a lot of efforts to inflame the hatred of some part of the Ukrainian population (unchurched) towards the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) He always put the STAGE “FSB MP (УПЦ МП ФСБ)” on our UOC, thus INCITING the hatred of Ukrainians towards the UOC.
I think that such people as Vitaly Portnikov, must be handed over to JUSTICE FOR ALL THEIR CRIMES.
Please watch several of his broadcasts of HATE, LIES and SLANDERS against the UOC.
You can also read about Portnikov in Wikipedia. He spent a lot of time in Russia……..in Moscow……….
Dear Representatives of Orthodox Reflexions!
Please forward all this information to Mr. Tucker Carlson and to Mr. Robert Amsterdam.
I thank them very much for protecting the UOC. God bless them!
May God bless you, dear brothers and sisters!
Your sister in Christ
Tetyana Avramenko
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_TQ6yENQqU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v02TACpO5lY&t=11s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Jun7rAfue0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_827Prv3134
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfjYMWwOxVg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXqNeSOxmrE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ov5C0q2-wQs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_TQ6yENQqU&t=67s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eeGVylE8GoU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hu8FP4izRts&t=29s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjd6Kyc3bDw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkVuQJBhOo4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qyYkNspUrQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wfx1hrFBukE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Pi0iLMU49s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rw-EUVjgrj4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-32F_g05vw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-RlJgT3EwA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKuX6O_QA_s&t=2s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a30hrybLfL0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxX5ZW-OjYk&t=5s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnx0tf5XYm8&t=16s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfFWv8hWNN0&t=2s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nK_PDaKSYDk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72ay5xJX5Ng
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLtaerdZOBYhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5ihiHSiVLA&t=1s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_QKbHYUNdA
PERSECUTION OF THE UOC IN UKRAINE
July 6, 2024
RED IN THE CITY
THE BOLSHEVIKS OCCUPIED CHERNIGOV CHURCHES: GOD IS EXCESSIVE FOR THEM
The Bolsheviks and the Bolshevik order returned to the Ukrainian city of Chernihiv. Already objectively. At least in the cultural and religious sphere.
This is the only way to interpret the actions and statements of the local red commissars of culture, who last year took ancient churches from Orthodox Christians.
And now they got out of the crypts, or mausoleums, to tell about their fate.
A fate that is no longer connected with the veneration of the Lord and prayer, for the sake of which our ancestors created these majestic temples, and the faithful of Chernihiv took care of them.
Now these are dead museum exhibits.
____________________________________________________________________
ГОНІННЯ УПЦ В УКРАЇНІ
6 липня 2024 року
ЧЕРВОНІ У МІСТІ
ХРАМИ ЧЕРНІГОВА ОКУПУВАЛИ БІЛЬШОВИКИ: БОГ ДЛЯ НИХ ЗАЙВИЙ
В українське місто Чернігів повернулися більшовики і більшовицькі порядки. Вже об’єктивно. Принаймні у культурну та релігійну сферу.
Лише так можна трактувати вчинки і заяви місцевих червоних комісарів від культури, які минулого року відібрали у православних християн старовинні храми.
А тепер вилізли зі склепів, чи то мавзолеїв, аби розказати про їх долю.
Доля, яка більше ніяк не пов’язана зі вшануванням Господа і молитвою, заради яких наші предки створили ці величні храми, а вірні Чернігова – дбали про них.
Тепер це – мертві музейні експонати.