Yelensky complains that UOC brings in foreign lawyers for defense
V. Yelensky. Photo: "Ukrinform"
The head of the State Service for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience (DESS) Viktor Yelensky stated that the Kyiv Metropolis of the UOC allegedly deliberately delays the court proceedings regarding the case on fulfilling the agency's directive. During a press conference for "Ukrinform", the official complained that due to the defense's actions, the court has still not begun considering the case on its merits.
Yelensky's main dissatisfaction was caused by the Metropolis's involvement of foreign lawyers who, according to his information, are registered on "lobbyist websites." The head of DESS did not specify what these websites are. He complained that the UOC spends resources on paying for legal services "to remain part of the Moscow Patriarchate."
At the same time, Yelensky's position regarding the protection of believers' rights appears selective. Earlier, the UOJ wrote that DESS reprimanded TSN for a story about Muslims for "stigmatization based on faith".
Read also
Greece signs memorandum on protection of Jerusalem Patriarchate's shrines
Next week, the Greek Parliament will ratify a document on the protection of the cultural heritage of the Jerusalem Patriarchate.
Greek bishop calls imposition of same-sex marriage a threat
Metropolitan Seraphim of Kythera urged families to become a “domestic church” amid threats to the Christian family in Greek laws and school curricula.
Patriarch Bartholomew arrives in Budapest for opening of Orthodox center
The Ecumenical Patriarch has arrived in Hungary, where he will preside over the consecration of the Orthodox center "Phanarion."
OCU raiders stage attack on seized church in Kyiv, media
OCU "hierarch" Serhiy Horobtsov published a provocative post online regarding St. John's Church in Bykivnia seized by his people.