State Service for Ethnic Policy obliges UOC-MP to break relations with ROC
18 July 04:14
The State Service of Ukraine for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience (DESS) responded to the results of a study on the existence of signs of affiliation of the Kyiv Metropolis of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church with a foreign religious organization whose activities are prohibited in Ukraine, namely the Russian Orthodox Church, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
“The Kyiv Metropolis of the UOC was issued an order to eliminate violations of the legislation on freedom of conscience and religious organizations,” the report says.
The prescription issued by the State Department of Economic and Social Services states that Metropolitan Onufriy of the UOC-MP must provide a decision of the highest church authorities on the withdrawal of the UOC-MP from the structure of the ROC, as well as the invalidation of all provisions of the ROC Statute for the UOC-MP.
He must also publicly declare, either orally or in writing, his disagreement with his appointment to the statutory governing bodies of the ROC and prepare a statement to terminate his powers and sever ties with the ROC.
As noted, in accordance with the law, the Kyiv Metropolis of the UOC is obliged to eliminate the identified violations by August 18, 2025.
