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Former representative of the Ukrainian Ombudsman noted that the U.S. State Department has observed systematic violations of believers' rights in the country.
Mykhailo Chaplyha, former representative of the Ukrainian Ombudsman, stated that as a result of the adoption of anti-church Law 8371, believers whose rights are systematically violated can appeal to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) and win cases there.
"The state, due to the political folly of the deputies, will have to either amend or repeal the Law and pay a lot of money to those whose rights are systematically violated," he wrote.
The expert listed the provisions that the legislative initiative contradicts:
It contradicts Articles 2, 17, 18, and 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which, after ratification, is an integral part of Ukraine's legal framework; It contradicts Articles 18 and 22 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; It directly contradicts Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights; It also contradicts the UN Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief.
"The practice of the ECHR shows that the issue of religious freedoms is very 'vulnerable' – i.e., 'sensitive', and in almost 100 out of 100 cases, the ECHR sides with the applicant. And since the violation is systematic based on the Law, the complaint procedure is as simple and swift," noted Chaplyha.
The former representative of the Ukrainian Ombudsman also stated that the U.S. State Department report noted violations of freedom of conscience and religion in Ukraine, and he reminded that several politicians in the U.S. Congress are already openly calling for sanctions against Ukraine if such a bill is passed.
"It seems that someone really wants to open a second front against Ukraine during the war... an internal one. And to sow discord and aggression... Poroshenko, as usual, has started to pedal this topic..." concluded Chaplyha.
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Mykhailo Chaplyha, former representative of the Ukrainian Ombudsman, stated that as a result of the adoption of anti-church Law 8371, believers whose rights are systematically violated can appeal to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) and win cases there.
"The state, due to the political folly of the deputies, will have to either amend or repeal the Law and pay a lot of money to those whose rights are systematically violated," he wrote.
The expert listed the provisions that the legislative initiative contradicts:
It contradicts Articles 2, 17, 18, and 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which, after ratification, is an integral part of Ukraine's legal framework; It contradicts Articles 18 and 22 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; It directly contradicts Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights; It also contradicts the UN Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief.
"The practice of the ECHR shows that the issue of religious freedoms is very 'vulnerable' – i.e., 'sensitive', and in almost 100 out of 100 cases, the ECHR sides with the applicant. And since the violation is systematic based on the Law, the complaint procedure is as simple and swift," noted Chaplyha.
The former representative of the Ukrainian Ombudsman also stated that the U.S. State Department report noted violations of freedom of conscience and religion in Ukraine, and he reminded that several politicians in the U.S. Congress are already openly calling for sanctions against Ukraine if such a bill is passed.
"It seems that someone really wants to open a second front against Ukraine during the war... an internal one. And to sow discord and aggression... Poroshenko, as usual, has started to pedal this topic..." concluded Chaplyha.
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During the court session, the bishop reported feeling unwell.
Another session in the case of Metropolitan Longin (Zhar) was held at the Hertsaivsky District Court in the city of Hertsa, Chernivtsi region. Believers and wards of the bishop came to support him, as reported by the Bancheny Monastery.
During the court session, the lawyers filed a motion to recuse the judge due to her bias. The judge accepted their claim for consideration.
The materials of the accusation case were handed to Metropolitan Longin, and he was asked to familiarize himself with them. The bishop reported that he could not do so because he felt unwell. In the video recording of the court process, it is evident that the bishop's hands and voice were trembling as he spoke. An ambulance was called to the court.
During this time, hundreds of Orthodox Bukovynians gathered for a prayer vigil outside the courthouse. While the hearing was ongoing, the believers prayed for their bishop. Some women could not hold back their tears.
"There are no laws, utmost iniquity. They are driving our beloved bishop to this... He has done so much for people," one parishioner says emotionally in a video posted on the monastery's YouTube channel.
"Release our father," appeal the wards, for whom Metropolitan Longin has replaced their parents.
During the session, the judge coordinated with all parties the time for the next court hearing. It will take place on July 31.
After the court process ended, Metropolitan Longin did not come out to the believers as he always did and sent a request through a clergyman for everyone to disperse.
Later, the Bancheny Monastery's social networks published a message of gratitude from the hierarch to all the believers for their prayerful support.
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Another session in the case of Metropolitan Longin (Zhar) was held at the Hertsaivsky District Court in the city of Hertsa, Chernivtsi region. Believers and wards of the bishop came to support him, as reported by the Bancheny Monastery.
During the court session, the lawyers filed a motion to recuse the judge due to her bias. The judge accepted their claim for consideration.
The materials of the accusation case were handed to Metropolitan Longin, and he was asked to familiarize himself with them. The bishop reported that he could not do so because he felt unwell. In the video recording of the court process, it is evident that the bishop's hands and voice were trembling as he spoke. An ambulance was called to the court.
During this time, hundreds of Orthodox Bukovynians gathered for a prayer vigil outside the courthouse. While the hearing was ongoing, the believers prayed for their bishop. Some women could not hold back their tears.
"There are no laws, utmost iniquity. They are driving our beloved bishop to this... He has done so much for people," one parishioner says emotionally in a video posted on the monastery's YouTube channel.
"Release our father," appeal the wards, for whom Metropolitan Longin has replaced their parents.
During the session, the judge coordinated with all parties the time for the next court hearing. It will take place on July 31.
After the court process ended, Metropolitan Longin did not come out to the believers as he always did and sent a request through a clergyman for everyone to disperse.
Later, the Bancheny Monastery's social networks published a message of gratitude from the hierarch to all the believers for their prayerful support.
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Dmytruk stated that he will send a parliamentary inquiry regarding the illegal detention of Vladyka Arseniy in the pre-trial detention center.
Member of Parliament Artem Dmytruk commented on the situation surrounding the case against Metropolitan Arseniy, the abbot of Sviatohirsk Lavra.
"The case is being shuffled from one court to another, but no preventive measure has been chosen. The previous detention period expired on June 22! This means that the person has been illegally held in prison for almost two weeks!" Dmytruk wrote on his Telegram channel on July 4.
The MP reminded that the appellate court, where the hearing took place, only determined that the future of the hierarch would continue to be considered by the Sloviansk City Court, but with a different judge, and the date of the next hearing to re-elect the preventive measure has not yet been set.
"In my conviction, the unlawful detention of the Vladyka in a pre-trial detention center indicates a violation of the most basic human rights and a lack of respect for the laws of Ukraine. One cannot help but ask: why does a person, whose detention period has expired, continue to remain behind bars?" the statement reads.
Artem Dmytruk stated that he is sending a parliamentary inquiry to the Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets and will ask for the case to be considered as soon as possible, "ensuring fairness in the criminal proceedings fabricated against Metropolitan Arseniy."
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Member of Parliament Artem Dmytruk commented on the situation surrounding the case against Metropolitan Arseniy, the abbot of Sviatohirsk Lavra.
"The case is being shuffled from one court to another, but no preventive measure has been chosen. The previous detention period expired on June 22! This means that the person has been illegally held in prison for almost two weeks!" Dmytruk wrote on his Telegram channel on July 4.
The MP reminded that the appellate court, where the hearing took place, only determined that the future of the hierarch would continue to be considered by the Sloviansk City Court, but with a different judge, and the date of the next hearing to re-elect the preventive measure has not yet been set.
"In my conviction, the unlawful detention of the Vladyka in a pre-trial detention center indicates a violation of the most basic human rights and a lack of respect for the laws of Ukraine. One cannot help but ask: why does a person, whose detention period has expired, continue to remain behind bars?" the statement reads.
Artem Dmytruk stated that he is sending a parliamentary inquiry to the Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets and will ask for the case to be considered as soon as possible, "ensuring fairness in the criminal proceedings fabricated against Metropolitan Arseniy."
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🇬🇧Political analyst: Banning the UOC will halt Ukraine's EU accession
🇺🇦Заборона УПЦ поставить крапку на вступі України до ЄС, – політолог
Persecution of religious freedom in the context of the final stage of Ukraine's European integration is inappropriate, Haidai believes.
The head of the NGO "Intermarium Institute", which studies socio-political processes in Ukraine and the world, political analyst Valentyn Haidai, stated that the so-called bill "On Banning the UOC" has many shortcomings and disadvantages. He wrote about this on his Facebook page on July 4.
"While the overwhelming majority of countries have rallied around supporting Ukraine, as shown by the recent Peace Summit in Switzerland, the adoption of this bill may provoke the opposite reaction in most countries, especially European ones, as they may view it as a restriction of freedom of religion. And in the context of the final stage of Ukraine's European integration, this would be, to put it mildly, inappropriate," the statement reads.
According to Haidai, there are specific claims against certain clergy and laity of the UOC regarding their ties to Russia, denial of its aggression, and the like. However, it is senseless to ban the entire denomination because of this.
"Moreover, this could have negative effects for Ukraine and its international image," he underscored.
The political analyst cited Georgia as an example, where, according to him, ambiguous actions by the authorities, which many perceive as pro-Russian, have so far halted the country's path to EU membership.
"I do not think Ukraine wants to repeat Georgia's fate," he concluded.
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🇺🇦Заборона УПЦ поставить крапку на вступі України до ЄС, – політолог
Persecution of religious freedom in the context of the final stage of Ukraine's European integration is inappropriate, Haidai believes.
The head of the NGO "Intermarium Institute", which studies socio-political processes in Ukraine and the world, political analyst Valentyn Haidai, stated that the so-called bill "On Banning the UOC" has many shortcomings and disadvantages. He wrote about this on his Facebook page on July 4.
"While the overwhelming majority of countries have rallied around supporting Ukraine, as shown by the recent Peace Summit in Switzerland, the adoption of this bill may provoke the opposite reaction in most countries, especially European ones, as they may view it as a restriction of freedom of religion. And in the context of the final stage of Ukraine's European integration, this would be, to put it mildly, inappropriate," the statement reads.
According to Haidai, there are specific claims against certain clergy and laity of the UOC regarding their ties to Russia, denial of its aggression, and the like. However, it is senseless to ban the entire denomination because of this.
"Moreover, this could have negative effects for Ukraine and its international image," he underscored.
The political analyst cited Georgia as an example, where, according to him, ambiguous actions by the authorities, which many perceive as pro-Russian, have so far halted the country's path to EU membership.
"I do not think Ukraine wants to repeat Georgia's fate," he concluded.
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In his appeal, the defense attorney explained why the accusations against Valeriy Stupnitsky are baseless.
The lawyer for UOJ journalist Valeriy Stupnitsky stated in the Kyiv Court of Appeals that all the prosecutors' accusations are based on the results of a questionable examination and are unfounded.
"The notice of suspicion is based on the conclusion of a legal examination, but this conclusion shows that the experts exceeded their authority," he emphasized.
The defender explained that, according to the law, experts are prohibited from resolving legal issues and making conclusions such as "deliberate actions allegedly aimed at conducting subversive activities against Ukraine in favor of the Russian Federation" within the framework of criminal proceedings.
He also emphasized in his appeal that, "according to judicial practice, in order to incriminate 'treason', it is necessary to prove a connection with a representative of the Russian Federation," which has not been done.
"In this case, there is no evidence. Moreover, the articles that form the basis of the suspicion do not contain any subversive activities in favor of the Russian Federation. At the same time, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that the Union of Orthodox Journalists website has published numerous articles condemning Russian aggression," the lawyer noted.
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The lawyer for UOJ journalist Valeriy Stupnitsky stated in the Kyiv Court of Appeals that all the prosecutors' accusations are based on the results of a questionable examination and are unfounded.
"The notice of suspicion is based on the conclusion of a legal examination, but this conclusion shows that the experts exceeded their authority," he emphasized.
The defender explained that, according to the law, experts are prohibited from resolving legal issues and making conclusions such as "deliberate actions allegedly aimed at conducting subversive activities against Ukraine in favor of the Russian Federation" within the framework of criminal proceedings.
He also emphasized in his appeal that, "according to judicial practice, in order to incriminate 'treason', it is necessary to prove a connection with a representative of the Russian Federation," which has not been done.
"In this case, there is no evidence. Moreover, the articles that form the basis of the suspicion do not contain any subversive activities in favor of the Russian Federation. At the same time, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that the Union of Orthodox Journalists website has published numerous articles condemning Russian aggression," the lawyer noted.
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#freedomforUOC
#religious_discrimination
#truth_about_Ukraine
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🇬🇧WHOSE FEELINGS DOES THE UOC OFFEND? WHO ARE THE "VICTIMS" IN THE CASE OF MET. THEODOSIUS, AND WHAT THEY ARE ALLOWED TO DO
🇺🇦ЧИЇ ПОЧУТТЯ ОБРАЖАЄ УПЦ? ХТО «ПОТЕРПІЛІ» У СПРАВІ МИТР. ФЕОДОСІЯ, І ЩО ЇМ МОЖНА
◾️The campaign of persecution against the UOC Cherkassy and Kaniv Metropolitan Theodosius has all the chances to become the most illustrative example of religiously and politically motivated, shameless and lawless repressions Ukrainian authorities made against a specific person, against an individual clergyman of the UOC.
Today we will talk about those who are personally involved in the falsification of accusations against Vladyka Theodosius, who, although not the leading force of repression, but are very important accomplices.
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🇺🇦ЧИЇ ПОЧУТТЯ ОБРАЖАЄ УПЦ? ХТО «ПОТЕРПІЛІ» У СПРАВІ МИТР. ФЕОДОСІЯ, І ЩО ЇМ МОЖНА
◾️The campaign of persecution against the UOC Cherkassy and Kaniv Metropolitan Theodosius has all the chances to become the most illustrative example of religiously and politically motivated, shameless and lawless repressions Ukrainian authorities made against a specific person, against an individual clergyman of the UOC.
Today we will talk about those who are personally involved in the falsification of accusations against Vladyka Theodosius, who, although not the leading force of repression, but are very important accomplices.
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#religious_discrimination
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In Ternopil, the city council wants to deprive the UOC believers of their last church so much that they are ready to demolish the cathedral. And the Lviv city Court of Appeal helps them a lot, by overturning the decision of the Ternopil Economic Court, which proved that the UOC community legally uses the land plot.
On April 17, 2023, the deputies gathered for an extraordinary session to "prohibit" believers from using the land under the cathedral by their order. Is it within their powers? Does the bureaucrat care about this? They are at war with the "Moscow Patriarchate" in Ternopil. Safely and in a very "patriotic"way, again the media noted their work.
"Consequences - the decision of the Ternopil City Council is valid and subject to execution. In case of failure to reach an agreement, the owner of the land has the right to demand from the owner of the building, that is, the Ternopil City Council from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, the demolition of this building and bringing the site to its previous state," says the lawyer Pavlo Varoda for "Suspilne Ternopil" channel.
Will the deputies of Ternopil succeed in doing this? In Kyiv, they managed to demolish the Tithe Church, in Lviv they did not bother with the courts - the technology of the crime has already been "tested". Yes, there are options: the lawyer says the court may decide that the community should be compensated for the cost of the shrine (who, when, during the war?), or it may not make such a decision.
But it is unlikely that Christians agree to exchange their cathedral for money.
☦️Cathedral of Faith, Hope, Love and their mother Sophia in Ternopil. Back in 1993, by the decision of the local administration, a land plot was allocated for the construction of the temple. It was based on a piece of the relics of Vladimir the Baptist, and three stones: from Mount Sinai, the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem and Mount Athos.
The first donation for the construction was made by the nun of the Gorny Monastery in Jerusalem, nun called Vera. Donations were made by laymen, monks and novices from different parts of Ukraine. How can you assess it, how to measure it, and compensate for the next demolition?Who can fight against God and who can hope to defeat Him?
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On April 17, 2023, the deputies gathered for an extraordinary session to "prohibit" believers from using the land under the cathedral by their order. Is it within their powers? Does the bureaucrat care about this? They are at war with the "Moscow Patriarchate" in Ternopil. Safely and in a very "patriotic"way, again the media noted their work.
"Consequences - the decision of the Ternopil City Council is valid and subject to execution. In case of failure to reach an agreement, the owner of the land has the right to demand from the owner of the building, that is, the Ternopil City Council from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, the demolition of this building and bringing the site to its previous state," says the lawyer Pavlo Varoda for "Suspilne Ternopil" channel.
Will the deputies of Ternopil succeed in doing this? In Kyiv, they managed to demolish the Tithe Church, in Lviv they did not bother with the courts - the technology of the crime has already been "tested". Yes, there are options: the lawyer says the court may decide that the community should be compensated for the cost of the shrine (who, when, during the war?), or it may not make such a decision.
But it is unlikely that Christians agree to exchange their cathedral for money.
☦️Cathedral of Faith, Hope, Love and their mother Sophia in Ternopil. Back in 1993, by the decision of the local administration, a land plot was allocated for the construction of the temple. It was based on a piece of the relics of Vladimir the Baptist, and three stones: from Mount Sinai, the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem and Mount Athos.
The first donation for the construction was made by the nun of the Gorny Monastery in Jerusalem, nun called Vera. Donations were made by laymen, monks and novices from different parts of Ukraine. How can you assess it, how to measure it, and compensate for the next demolition?Who can fight against God and who can hope to defeat Him?
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#freedomforUOC
#religious_discrimination
#truth_about_Ukraine
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The UOC is required to return the Yelets Convent to the Ministry of Culture and remove obstacles to accessing the sanctuary.
On July 4, the Northern Appellate Commercial Court ruled that the administration of the Chernihiv Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) has no right to be on the territory of the Yelets Convent, reports the press service of the Ministry of Culture.
Thus, the court fully satisfied the claim of the National Architectural and Historical Reserve "Ancient Chernihiv", and the UOC was ordered to vacate the sanctuary and remove any obstacles to accessing the premises.
It is reported that the Ministry of Culture was a third party in the case, not making independent claims on the subject of the dispute on the side of the Reserve. On the side of the UOC Diocese Administration, the third party was the Holy Assumption Yelets Convent of the Chernihiv Eparchy of the UOC.
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On July 4, the Northern Appellate Commercial Court ruled that the administration of the Chernihiv Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) has no right to be on the territory of the Yelets Convent, reports the press service of the Ministry of Culture.
Thus, the court fully satisfied the claim of the National Architectural and Historical Reserve "Ancient Chernihiv", and the UOC was ordered to vacate the sanctuary and remove any obstacles to accessing the premises.
It is reported that the Ministry of Culture was a third party in the case, not making independent claims on the subject of the dispute on the side of the Reserve. On the side of the UOC Diocese Administration, the third party was the Holy Assumption Yelets Convent of the Chernihiv Eparchy of the UOC.
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According to Archimandrite Joasaph, his main task at the frontline is to ensure survival.
Archimandrite Joasaph (Peretyatko), the abbot of the Transfiguration Monastery of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) in the Kyiv region and a tactical medic, gave an interview to the ukranews publication.
The priest recounted how he became a paramedic and started going to the frontlines to save the lives of Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers.
"People from our support fund for Ukraine's defenders came and said, 'We know you are an officer and participated in a peacekeeping mission in Iraq (2004 - Ed.). You have combat experience. We need people like you. Would you like to learn practical medicine to save the lives of our soldiers?' I replied, 'Of course. Since you came, it means the Lord sent you to me.' That's how I got involved. I took courses for paramedics and now go on rotations," said Father Joasaph.
In his comments to journalists, the archimandrite emphasized that he considers himself a patriot and proves it through actions, not words.
"There, at the frontline, my main task is to keep people alive, to ensure they return home safely," he asserts.
The UOC clergyman reminded that from the first day of the war, Metropolitan Onuphry openly declared that the Church remains with its people and condemned the aggression of the Russian Federation.
"And our Church does the same: so much volunteer aid has been collected, so many of our parishioners are now fighting, defending Ukraine's independence. If you look at the percentage of our Church's parishioners, it turns out that every second person is either on the frontline or involved in volunteering. Because we want to live and believe in Christ here, on our land, in a free country," concluded Archimandrite Joasaph.
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Archimandrite Joasaph (Peretyatko), the abbot of the Transfiguration Monastery of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) in the Kyiv region and a tactical medic, gave an interview to the ukranews publication.
The priest recounted how he became a paramedic and started going to the frontlines to save the lives of Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers.
"People from our support fund for Ukraine's defenders came and said, 'We know you are an officer and participated in a peacekeeping mission in Iraq (2004 - Ed.). You have combat experience. We need people like you. Would you like to learn practical medicine to save the lives of our soldiers?' I replied, 'Of course. Since you came, it means the Lord sent you to me.' That's how I got involved. I took courses for paramedics and now go on rotations," said Father Joasaph.
In his comments to journalists, the archimandrite emphasized that he considers himself a patriot and proves it through actions, not words.
"There, at the frontline, my main task is to keep people alive, to ensure they return home safely," he asserts.
The UOC clergyman reminded that from the first day of the war, Metropolitan Onuphry openly declared that the Church remains with its people and condemned the aggression of the Russian Federation.
"And our Church does the same: so much volunteer aid has been collected, so many of our parishioners are now fighting, defending Ukraine's independence. If you look at the percentage of our Church's parishioners, it turns out that every second person is either on the frontline or involved in volunteering. Because we want to live and believe in Christ here, on our land, in a free country," concluded Archimandrite Joasaph.
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The military called on deputies not to take rash steps that could harm the unity and security of the country.
Ukrainian Armed Forces (AFU) soldiers are urging deputies not to vote for Bill No. 8371, which effectively bans the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC). In a video message published by the Headlines Telegram channel, the soldiers ask lawmakers to carefully consider all potential consequences of passing this law to "avoid taking rash steps that could harm the unity and security of the country."
"We, the soldiers of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, who risk our lives daily for the freedom and independence of our homeland, appeal to you not to vote for Bill No. 8371, which effectively bans the Ukrainian Orthodox Church," the video states.
They note that at the front, all soldiers fight for the country regardless of their religious beliefs.
"Indeed, I cannot calmly watch my state being divided by religion. Here, there are guys who belong to Islam, Catholics, Orthodox, and Protestants. No one divides anyone at the front. We all defend our state of Ukraine together," emphasizes an AFU soldier.
Previously, some of the appeals from Ukrainian servicemen were published on the Myriany Telegram channel.
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Ukrainian Armed Forces (AFU) soldiers are urging deputies not to vote for Bill No. 8371, which effectively bans the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC). In a video message published by the Headlines Telegram channel, the soldiers ask lawmakers to carefully consider all potential consequences of passing this law to "avoid taking rash steps that could harm the unity and security of the country."
"We, the soldiers of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, who risk our lives daily for the freedom and independence of our homeland, appeal to you not to vote for Bill No. 8371, which effectively bans the Ukrainian Orthodox Church," the video states.
They note that at the front, all soldiers fight for the country regardless of their religious beliefs.
"Indeed, I cannot calmly watch my state being divided by religion. Here, there are guys who belong to Islam, Catholics, Orthodox, and Protestants. No one divides anyone at the front. We all defend our state of Ukraine together," emphasizes an AFU soldier.
Previously, some of the appeals from Ukrainian servicemen were published on the Myriany Telegram channel.
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