Ukraine’s parliament has voted to ban an Orthodox Church with ties to the Moscow Patriarchate, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church under Metropolitan Onufriy, marking a significant move two-and-a-half years into Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The church is often viewed as a conduit for Kremlin influence within the country.
“It’s a historical decision! Parliament passed a bill banning a subsidiary of the aggressor country in Ukraine,” announced MP Irina Gerashchenko on Telegram, celebrating the outcome.
According to MP Jaroslav Gelezniak, 265 MPs supported the bill, surpassing the required minimum of 226 votes. The new law also includes provisions to ban religious organizations associated with the Moscow-linked church, with such bans to be enforced following a court decision.
It is recalled that on August 16, 2024, Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine participated in a teleconference with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and members of the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations. The discussion focused on several critical issues, including the protection of Ukraine’s spiritual independence and the reduction of Russian influence on Ukraine’s religious affairs.
In addition, Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv has extended an invitation to Metropolitan Onufry, leader of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church under the Moscow Patriarchate, for a dialogue “without preconditions.” In his letter, published on the Orthodox Church of Ukraine’s website, Metropolitan Epifaniy urged Metropolitan Onufry to engage in direct talks, emphasizing the need for unity and reconciliation within the Ukrainian Orthodox community.
The response from the Moscow Patriarchate and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church to the newly adopted law by the Ukrainian Parliament remains to be seen.
Source: ANA-MPA, Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
