Dumenko: Ukrainian govt. doesn’t interfere in activities of denominations

Head of the OCU Epifaniy Dumenko and Verkhovna Rada Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk. Photo: pomisna.info

The head of the OCU Epifaniy Dumenko stated that the Ukrainian state, unlike the Russian one, allegedly "does not interfere in the internal life of religious communities". He said this during his speech at the "Crimean Forum 26-2-14", reports the OCU press service.

He noted that freedom of religion in Ukraine is ensured both by law and in practice. In contrast to Russia, where, according to Dumenko, the authorities have established "serious restrictions on the activities of religious organizations, including at the legislative level."

"In fact, in Russia, the Soviet system of control over religious communities has been revived, which occurs, including through the covert influence of special services," Dumenko said, comparing the authorities' attitude towards religion in Ukraine and Russia.

As reported, the President of Ukraine demanded that MPs quickly pass a law banning the UOC.

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.