Novinsky: The devil has managed to make people see each other as enemies

Vadim Novinsky, Protodeacon of the UOC and a member of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, said that Kyiv, Kharkiv, Kherson, Mykolaiv, Chernihiv and Mariupol have become the scene of heavy clashes, killing dozens and hundreds of people, among them civilians. He wrote about this on his Facebook page.

"As an MP from Mariupol, I get sad information from my district. For two days in the settlement of Sartana near Mariupol, bloody fighting has continued, with six confirmed casualties," Novinsky said.

According to him, what is happening now in Ukraine is a real tragedy not only for the Ukrainian and Russian people but also for the entire Orthodox world.

"The devil has managed to make people bound by the same faith, the same history, the same culture see each other as enemies," the MP added.

He stressed that this war must be stopped immediately.

"I urge the Presidents of Ukraine and the Russian Federation to start peace negotiations – with the thought of the fate of ordinary Ukrainians, Russians, Greeks, Tatars, Jews and representatives of other nations. The fratricidal war must come to an end!"  with these words Vadim Novinsky addressed the leaders of the two countries.

The MP also said that the necessary assistance to the families of those killed in Sartana will be provided in full.

As reported, the UOC Synod urged to stop the bloodshed between the brotherly nations.

Read also

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.

DESS official says state should not govern the Church

A DESS official called for cooperation between the state and the Church for the benefit of citizens.