Zelensky discusses law banning UOC-MP in Ukraine with Patriarch Bartholomew
Kyiv • UNN
The President of Ukraine had a phone conversation with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. The parties discussed the new law banning the UOC (MP), cooperation and expectations regarding the visit of the Patriarchate to Ukraine.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a telephone conversation with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. They discussed the Ukrainian law on “spiritual independence,” which, in particular, provides for a ban on the activities of the UOC (MP) in the country. The head of state said this in X, UNN reports .
Details
I had a telephone conversation with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. I thanked His All-Holiness for his prayers for Ukraine and for his unwavering support of our people
They jointly assessed the development of cooperation, in particular the recent productive visit of the Ukrainian delegation to the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
The Head of State also expressed expectations for a return visit of the Patriarchate.
He also emphasized the importance of the new law on spiritual independence, supported by the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations, and stressed that an independent people should be independent spiritually as well. He assured that our state seeks to strengthen Orthodoxy in Ukraine and promote open dialogue between churches
Recall
The Verkhovna Rada has passed draft law No. 8371 on the ban on religious organizations affiliated with the Russian Federation. The law will come into force in 30 days, but UOC-MP communities will have 9 months to break ties with the Russian Orthodox Church.
