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

Viktor Yelensky. Photo: nfront.org.ua

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

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

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

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

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

Read also

Orthodox and Catholic bishops make joint visit to Mount Athos

The head of the Phanar blessed a joint pilgrimage to Mount Athos by Roman Catholic and Orthodox bishops.

UOC Kryvyi Rih Eparchy marks 30th anniversary

Metropolitan Yefrem led the anniversary Divine Liturgy in Kryvyi Rih.

Ostapenko: Everyone in UCCRO feels fine except the “FSB UOC”

The director of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra National Reserve called the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches “a wonderful organization.”

Khmelnytskyi Eparchy donates funds for treatment of 12-year-old girl

UOC believers raised UAH 20,000 for Anastasiia Mamchur as part of an eparchial charity campaign.

Shevchuk: We had to convince world UOC ban does not violate religious freedom

The UGCC head claims that by banning the UOC, the state is not violating religious freedom but merely protecting the Church’s faithful from Moscow propaganda.

Lavra reserve head estimates damage to Dormition Cathedral at €15 million

Maksym Ostapenko said restoring the Dormition Cathedral would take at least a couple of years and require major funding.