Ukraine’s parliament has made a significant decision by voting to ban an Orthodox Church with ties to the Moscow Patriarchate, specifically targeting the Ukrainian Orthodox Church under Metropolitan Onufriy. This move comes two-and-a-half years into Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and is seen as a step to reduce Kremlin influence within the country.
MP Irina Gerashchenko shared the news on Telegram, calling it a historic moment as parliament passed a bill to prohibit a branch of the aggressor country in Ukraine.
The bill received support from 265 MPs, exceeding the required minimum of 226 votes. The legislation also includes measures to outlaw religious organizations affiliated with the Moscow-linked church, subject to enforcement following a court ruling.
On August 16, 2024, Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine engaged in a teleconference with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and members of the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations. The meeting addressed crucial issues such as safeguarding Ukraine’s spiritual independence and reducing Russian influence on the country’s religious matters.
Furthermore, Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv has extended an invitation to Metropolitan Onufry, the leader of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church under the Moscow Patriarchate, for unconditional dialogue. In a published letter on the Orthodox Church of Ukraine’s website, Metropolitan Epifaniy emphasized the importance of unity and reconciliation within the Ukrainian Orthodox community.
The reaction from the Moscow Patriarchate and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church to the newly enacted law by the Ukrainian Parliament is awaited.
Source: ANA-MPA, Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas