DESS to file lawsuits against every UOC eparchy

DESS head Viktor Yelensky. Photo: DESS Facebook page

The State Service for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience (DESS) plans to file lawsuits one by one seeking to terminate the activities of all eparchies of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Agency head Viktor Yelensky announced this, stressing that the process would follow the hierarchical structure of the UOC.

According to the official, the first step was the proceedings against the “center” – the Kyiv Metropolia. The case is currently being considered by the Administrative Cassation Court. Yelensky explained that only after these proceedings are completed will DESS be able to file lawsuits against regional subdivisions.

However, the agency’s plans have run into legal obstacles. The Sixth Administrative Court of Appeal declared Viktor Yelensky’s actions unlawful and annulled the conclusion of the religious-studies “expert examination” of the UOC Statute.

Under the court ruling, DESS is now required to issue a new conclusion to substantiate its claims against the Church.

Earlier, UOJ reported that the case involving the Kyiv Metropolia of the UOC will be heard on appeal.

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