The Ukrainian Orthodox Church appointed international lawyer Robert Amsterdam in 2023 to represent the interests of the canonical Orthodox Church against illegal persecution by the Ukrainian Government. Since that time, Amsterdam has provided resources we highly recommend, including ways to assist in the defense of Orthodoxy in Ukraine.
The first is a Website called Save the UOC. Please visit that site and share it as widely as possible. The information below is from the site:
The Ukrainian Orthodox Church first announced the appointment of Robert Amsterdam on October 18, 2023, following a series of raids, unlawful arrests, and seizures of church property by the Ukrainian government. The efforts to form a public information campaign became urgent once the Ukrainian Parliament (Rada) passed its second reading of the controversial Draft Law 8371, which would allow the state the powers the arbitrarily ban an entire religion.
Draft Law 8371 seeks to amend the Ukrainian law “On the freedom of conscience and religious organizations” in certain respects, allowing the legislature to selectively punish religious communities and interfere with their rights to worship freely.
“Protecting freedom of religion of all Ukrainians is essential to the continued support for Ukraine in both Washington and key European capitals,” said Amsterdam. “Draft Law 8371 represents a significant step backwards, a violation of Ukraine’s international legal commitments and the nation’s own constitution.”
Amsterdam continued: “Contrary to the Ukrainian government’s propaganda, the UOC is an independent church – instead we are witnessing pure political persecution and opportunism, which has nothing to do with Ukraine’s national security.”
The coordination between intelligence services, the presidential administration, and the courts to expropriate and literally deny the existence of Ukraine’s historical home of worship of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church represents a policy and practice that the West should condemn in unequivocal terms.
The Zelensky government’s literal adaptation of the OCU as a state church lies outside the bounds of Ukraine’s constitution, European law, and modern Western practice.
It is ironic that liberals and progressives in the United States, concerned as they are about any expression of Christianity in public, are supporting a Zelensky Regime which has effectively established a state church using American financial support. Freedom of religion and separation of Church and State are only for the United States, it seems.
On the Save the UOC Website, there are two excellent White Papers. The first is a very detailed account of the current situation. Here is a link, and below an excerpt from the paper:
This white paper highlights the perilous state of religious freedom in Ukraine as well as the overall threat to rule of law for which this campaign against the UOC is emblematic. We urge readers to contact those governments providing financial support and military aid to remind Ukraine of its obligations under its own constitution, as well as international treaties to protect religious freedom.
In addition, there is a White Paper providing a Legal Analysis of Ukrainian Draft Law 8371 that could be used to completely ban the UOC. Here is a link, and below is an excerpt from the paper:
The UOC has long faced spurious accusations that it acts as an agent of the Russian state, a legacy of its complex history of subordination to the Russian Orthodox Church. Building on the rights to self-governance and broad autonomy that it acquired in 1990, the UOC declared its independence on 27 May 2022. Despite its efforts to support Ukraine and its citizens during the war with Russia, the Ukrainian Government has decided to disestablish the Church and prohibit its activities (Draft Law 8371). This legislative assault fails to account for the steps taken by the UOC to declare independence and support Ukraine.
Please download, read, and share the White Papers as widely as possible. Save the UOC also includes a “Take Action” guide to assist you in contacting your Congressional representatives concerning freedom of religion in Ukraine. The government of Ukraine is completely dependent on US aid for its continued existence. Should a large portion of Congress demand an end to this persecution as a condition of future aid, Zelenskyy will have no choice but to comply.
The following introductory video is quite good. It is available on the Save the UOC Website and YouTube:
It is truly heartening to see Tucker Carlson interview Robert Amsterdam, and that he continues to support the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Tucker is almost alone in broadcast media in doing so. The UOC is the Church of the Martyrs, we cannot abandon them. Particularly when, as American tax payers, it is our money that is being used to oppress them.
The video makes many good points, but one of the most touching is that Amsterdam (who is Jewish) believes the Faithful of the UOC are the most devout part of the Ukrainian populace. There are truly wonderful servants of God in the UOC. Their example will continue to inspire all Christians around the world.
Tucker also asked Amsterdam why Christian leaders have remained silent about this persecution. Amsterdam noted that the Ukrainians have (with US National Security State help) erected a propaganda machine that throttles the truth of the UOC persecution. It is hard to inform people, which is why reaching out to our legislators is so important. Congress may not be hearing the truth from anyone but us.
But, there is another important reason why Christian leaders have remained silent on the UOC persecution. Worldwide, most Orthodox hierarchs support the UOC as the canonical Orthodox Church in Ukraine. However, Patriarch Bartholomew, globally one of the most visible Orthodox hierarchs, does not. Patriarch Bartholomew directly bears a large part of the responsibility for the tragic situation in Ukraine This has led the Patriarch of Constantinople, the Greek Archdiocese, related organizations, and their media outlets to collaborate with the US National Security State in covering up the truth.
The Patriarch and various organs of the Patriarchate consistently pretend that:
- The UOC is a “Russian” Church
- No persecution is occurring,
- Whatever steps are taken against the UOC are justified for Ukrainian national security
- It is not the UOC being persecuted by Kiev, but rather the schismatic Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) is the real victim of persecution
Here are some examples of Patriarch Bartholomew spreading “disinformation” on the situation in Ukraine. On October 15, 2023, after the liturgy at the Cathedral of the Holy Apostles Andrew and Great Martyr Dimitri, Patriarch Bartholomew told the clergy of the Spanish and Portuguese Metropolis of the Ecumenical Patriarchate that he considers the criminal prosecution of UOC hierarchs to be fair and justified. Patriarch Bartholomew previously referred to violent seizures of UOC parishes as those parishes voluntarily changing to his demonic creation, the OCU. As shown in the post below, the Patriarch (and others) even completely reverses whom is being persecuted in Ukraine and who is responsible for it.
His All-Holiness: In our world, religion becomes a subject of exploitation. “We see this before our eyes in Ukraine, where Orthodox Christianity is unethically & unjustly used against other Orthodox Christians with the blessing of the Moscow Patriarchate." https://t.co/JcITwcGhT3 pic.twitter.com/6jFbY5MeWG
— Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate (@OrderStAndrew) January 24, 2024
Many times, when seeking to publicize the suffering of the UOC, have we had quotes from the Patriarch of Constantinople thrown back in our faces. His high profile involvement gives many Western Christian media, Christian organizations, and human rights organizations the “cover” to stay silent about the Ukrainian persecution. After all, if the “spiritual leader” of Orthodoxy says everything is fine, or at least justified, who is anyone else to argue?
It is way past time for more Orthodox Christians, particularly in the West, to make it clear that the Patriarchate of Constantinople is complicit in a crime not only against humanity, but against God.
Below you will find our petition demanding an end to the silence over Ukraine. It has almost 6,000 signatures, and is being shared not only with media but also with Amsterdam and his law group. If you have not signed, please do so. Also, please forward resources from Save the UOC to as many people as you can. Please contact your representatives, and a note of concern to your bishop would be a blessing as well!
— OR Staff
We Demand an End to Christian Persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church
Petition verbiage below. Scroll further to see current signatures.
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.
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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
Met. Theodosiy after seizure: “Behold, your house is left to you desolate”Metropolitan Theodosiy addressed the faithful after the seizure of the Archangel Michael Cathedral in Cherkasy.
On October 17, Metropolitan Theodosiy of Cherkasy and Kaniv addressed the faithful of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) following the seizure of the Archangel Michael Cathedral in Cherkasy by radicals. During the assault, tear gas was used, which, as seen in the video, appeared to cause vision problems for the Metropolitan. Despite the challenges, he urged the faithful to remain steadfast and expressed confidence that the church would once again be filled with grace when the believers could return.
“Brothers and sisters! We did everything we could. We tried to defend our cathedral from the bandits. Unfortunately, against such force, there is no recourse. Thus, our shrine has been seized, albeit illegally,” said Metropolitan Theodosiy.
He mentioned that the UOC would appeal to the courts regarding the situation with the cathedral, noting that seeking justice would be difficult due to the political situation: “Of course, we will try to seek the truth in court, but knowing how these matters are currently resolved here, with purely political considerations, there is little hope.”
The UOC hierarch also reminded the faithful that their spiritual connection with the church remains, even if they have temporarily lost access to the sanctuary, quoting the Gospel, “Behold, your house is left to you desolate.”
“Along with us, divine grace departs from the cathedral. Along with us, the protection and help of Archangel Michael and the holy martyr Macarius depart.” He urged the faithful not to lose hope and to remain confident that the faithful of the UOC would surely return there.
Addressing those who were injured during the assault, the Metropolitan gave practical advice on dealing with injuries. He spoke of priests with knocked-out teeth, fractures, and possible concussions: “Brothers and sisters, all who have suffered today, seek medical help and take care of yourselves. The Lord will surely reward each of you according to the strength of your faith and your desire to defend the Church.”
Metropolitan Theodosiy also noted that if church raids continue, the faithful will be compelled to pray underground: “Stay in touch with your priests, gather in apartments, homes, attics, basements, and we will pray and hold Divine Liturgies underground.” In conclusion, the UOC hierarch blessed everyone, calling for unity and prayer: “The Lord is with us, the Mother of God is with us, Archangel Michael is with us, and the holy martyr Macarius will never abandon us!”
As reported by the Union of Orthodox Journalists, unidentified men in camouflage uniforms seized the UOC cathedral in Cherkasy on their second attempt.
https://spzh.live/en/news/82549-met-theodosiy-after-seizure-behold-your-house-is-left-to-you-desolate
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.
______________________________________________________________________
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
17/10/2024
METROPOLITAN THEODOSIUS’S ADDRESS TO PATRIARCH BARTHOLOMEW!!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQQ8WGivMnk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bD1Ypnzce4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHkeoqysqV4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8pabKLcEdY&t=207s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3cDITNDKtA&t=41s
The family of the UOC priest with his wife and four CHILDREN are kicked out into the street!!!! The priest’s well was poisoned and the CRIMINALS cut off the electricity. This is the kind of SPIRITUAL INDEPENDENCE that the Ukrainian authorities are telling everyone??? Shame on the Ukrainian authorities!!!!
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
Dear Brothers and Sisters!
Please watch this video from the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. It shows Petro Poroshenko (one of the most terrible persecutors of the UOC) calling on deputies to vote for a ban of the UOC. Poroshenko is becoming more and more like a demon every day, not a human being. As well as Zelensky. Zelensky, Poroshenko and the Head of the SBU (SS U) – Vasyl Malyuk are the most brutal persecutors of the UOC in Ukraine! As well as the bloody Patriarch Bartholomew, who gave the Bloody Tomos to Ukraine!!! God will be their Judge!
May the Lord bless you!
With love in Christ
Your sister in Christ
Tetyana Avramenko
https://youtube.com/shorts/k0N0UDYfFGw?si=ABgdby60GKbPfUbo
https://youtu.be/A3eyC4sFD8E?si=WNFpIiJE9ncZBNOD
Zelensky urges Rada to convene and solve issue of “spiritual independence”
15 August 15:50
According to the President, this needs to be done urgently.
President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the Verkhovna Rada, which has not convened for three weeks, to hold a session “urgently in the near future”. He said this in his video address on August 15, 2024.
“Now, in August, there is a need to strengthen some of our state’s legal positions,” the President said.
According to him, there are several military bills that require urgent adoption, as well as other equally important issues.
“Of course, besides the decisions I mentioned, there are some other no less important legislative initiatives that strengthen our independence, particularly spiritual independence, as well as government work on their implementation. All of this needs to be done very promptly,” Zelensky said.
As reported by the UOJ, earlier Zelensky said that they would ensure decisions on spiritual independence.
_________________________________
Зеленський закликав Раду вирішити питання «духовної незалежності»
15 Серпня 15:50
За словами гаранта, це потрібно зробити оперативно.
Президент Володимир Зеленський закликав Верховну Раду, яка не збиралася вже три тижні, невідкладно найближчим часом провести засідання. Про це він сказав у своєму відеозверненні 15 серпня 2024 року.
«Зараз, уже в серпні, потрібне посилення деяких правових позицій нашої держави», – сказав Президент.
За його словами, є кілька воєнних законопроєктів, які потребують термінового ухвалення, а також інші не менш важливі питання.
«Звичайно, окрім цих названих мною рішень, є ще деякі інші не менш важливі законодавчі ініціативи, які посилюють нашу незалежність, зокрема духовну незалежність, а також урядова робота, щоб їх впровадити. Це все варто зробити дійсно оперативно», – заявив Зеленський.
Як писала СПЖ, раніше Зеленський сказав, що забезпечить рішення щодо духовної незалежності.
https://spzh.live/en/news/81607-zelensky-urges-rada-to-convene-and-solve-issue-of-spiritual-independence
Religious organizations to be given 9 months to “break ties with ROC”
18 August 10:42
According to Ruslan Stefanchuk, in 9 months religious organizations, which will be covered by the law, may be recognized in court as having ceased their activities.
In an interview with the “We-Ukraine” TV channel on August 17, VRU Speajer Ruslan Stefanchuk said that in the near future the Verkhovna Rada will consider Bill № 8371 on the de facto ban of the UOC and shared the timeline for when the law is expected to come into force.
Religious organizations will have a specified period during which they can take actions to demonstrate that they are no longer affiliated with or connected to the Russian Orthodox Church.
“We calculated that it will take about a month for the law to come into effect, 3 months for the Cabinet of Ministers to develop the necessary regulatory framework, and after that, a series of implementations. So, within 9 months, organizations affected by the law could be recognized by the court as having ceased their activities,” Stefanchuk said.
As reported by the UOJ, the Parliament Speaker mentioned that “an appropriate examination will be conducted in those religious organisations in Ukraine suspected of any affiliation or cooperation with the Russian Orthodox Church.”
Earlier, the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations (UCCRO) supported President Zelensky’s legislative initiative against the UOC.
_______________________________________________________
Влада дасть релігійним організаціям 9 місяців на «розрив зв’язків із РПЦ»
18 Серпня 10:42
За словами спікера Ради, через 9 місяців релігійні організації, на які буде поширюватися закон, можуть бути визнані в суді такими, що припинили свою діяльність.
У своєму інтерв’ю телеканалу «Ми-Україна» 17 серпня спікер Ради Руслан Стефанчук заявив, що найближчим часом Верховна Рада розгляне законопроєкт №8371 про фактичну заборону УПЦ і поділився розрахунками, скільки часу знадобиться, щоб цей закон набув чинності.
Релігійні організації мають певний період, за який вони зможуть вчинити низку дій, що свідчать про те, що вони вже не мають афіліації або зв’язку з РПЦ.
«Ми порахували таким чином, що десь місяць на набрання законом чинності, 3 місяці, щоб Кабмін напрацював нормативну базу, після цього ціла низка імплементацій. Тобто через 9 місяців організації, на які буде поширюватися закон, можуть бути визнані в суді такими, що припинили свою діяльність», – заявив Стефанчук.
Як писала СПЖ, спікер Парламенту розповів, що в «тих релігійних організаціях, які існують в Україні та щодо яких є підозра про якусь афіліацію, співпрацю з російською православною церквою, буде проводитися відповідна експертиза».
Раніше ВРЦіРО підтримала законодавчу ініціативу Зеленського проти УПЦ.
https://spzh.live/en/news/81652-religious-organizations-to-be-given-9-months-to-break-ties-with-roc
Dear brothers and sisters!
In Ukraine, the authorities continue to cruelly persecute the UOC. They treat Metropolitan Arseniy especially cruelly, like an animal in a cage. And these are not the times of persecution of the first Christians!!! This is the twenty-first century!!! My heart is bleeding… It is deeply wounded. Next week will be very difficult. Perhaps in the Verkhovna Rada, deputies will vote for bill 8371 on the ban of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
May God help all of us!
Please watch this video of Ukrainian independent Orthodox journalist Denis about the cruel treatment of Metropolitan Arseniy.
With love in Christ
Your sister in Christ
Avramenko Tetyana
https://youtu.be/QLmk-BcIsoY?si=lf2OFpFxqridtH9o
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