“state-forming role of the UGCC

Sviatoslav Shevchuk ›

head of the UGCC

Direct quote

“the believers reported actions by OCU representatives and certain political figures that violate the right to freedom of religion guaranteed by the Constitution of Ukraine and infringe upon the rights of parishioners of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church

“he declared his organization's right to judge the Ukrainian Orthodox Church

“new attempts to seize the UOC’s Ascension Church in Kyiv’s Demiivka district

“the state's decision to seize the churches and property of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra from the UOC is shameful

“the Kyiv authorities are persecuting the UOC even though the Church openly opposed the military invasion and declared its independence from Moscow

Robert Amsterdam ›

International human rights lawyer

Reported

“Therefore, it is quite joyful when the rector truly supports the decision of his parishioners — or rather is its initiator — so that people take notice and ultimately join the great Ukrainian family within the OCU,