Yelensky briefs Danish Council of Churches on law against UOC

Viktor Yelensky with Danish Council of Churches General Secretary Emil Saggau. Photo: DESS Facebook page

DESS head Viktor Yelensky discussed restrictions against the UOC with foreign guests. The official sought to convince Danish Council of Churches General Secretary Emil Saggau that Ukraine’s Law “On the Protection of the Constitutional Order in the Sphere of Activities of Religious Organizations” was justified.

During the talks in Kyiv, Yelensky spoke in detail about the practical mechanisms for implementing the law on protecting the constitutional order in the religious sphere. He claimed that concerns within the European community about the closure of parishes, seizure of property and complete liquidation of the UOC were supposedly groundless speculation.

In addition to discussing legislative initiatives, the two sides addressed the social ministry of various religious denominations amid the ongoing hostilities. Yelensky told the Danish guest about humanitarian assistance provided by religious communities to Ukrainian service members, internally displaced persons and socially vulnerable groups.

On this topic Yelensky: There is a risk the UOC could appeal to ECHR and win

General Secretary Emil Saggau briefed the Ukrainian side on the activities of Danish religious organizations and projects carried out within the framework of the World Council of Churches. The Danish representative confirmed his readiness to develop bilateral contacts in the humanitarian and information spheres. At the end of the meeting, he assured the organizers of the continued support of his country’s religious communities.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that Yelensky had briefed the World Council of Churches on the law aimed at banning the UOC.

Read also

US helps restore Orthodox church in Turkey after earthquake

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.

Kamianske Eparchy commemorates New Martyr Ioann Mohylevsky