- The Ukrainian Legislature Prohibits Moscow-Affiliated Orthodox Religious Organization
The Ukrainian parliament has voted in favor of prohibiting the Orthodox Church that aligns with Russia. This contentious legislation successfully passed its second reading in Kyiv's Rada with a significant majority, gaining 265 approval votes out of a total 322 cast. The ban stems from the Moscow Patriarchate's endorsement of Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine, with the Ukrainian branch of the church being linked to atrocities against its own people. The legislation is advertised to safeguard national security and religious freedom. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy needs to ratify the law.
In response, Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for Russia's Foreign Ministry, lashed out at the ban in Moscow, claiming, "The intention is to annihilate authentic, traditional Orthodoxy."
The law will take effect 30 days after its publication, as per MP Yaroslav Shelesnyak. Afterward, individual congregations will have nine months to disassociate themselves from Moscow. Approximately 10,000 congregations within the fractured Ukrainian church landscape still accept the Moscow Patriarchate of the Russian Orthodox Church.
MP Roman Losynsky expressed his thoughts on Facebook, writing, "Today, we have embarked on the inevitable path of purging the Kremlin's spy network, which has concealed behind the guise of a religious institution for decades."
However, Ukraine's Western allies issued warnings against exacerbating religious discord in Ukraine through the ban.
Traditionally, Russia and Ukraine shared a unified church space under the Moscow Patriarchate for several centuries. Nevertheless, since achieving independence, Ukraine has pursued its religious sovereignty as well.
In 2018, the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew recognized an independent Orthodox Church of Ukraine, which is not conditioned by Moscow's authority. In May 2022, following Russia's invasion, the Moscow-aligned church in Ukraine officially declared its separation from Russia but still acknowledges the Moscow Patriarch. This church boasts priests and bishops who represent Moscow's interests, as well as numerous priests, congregations, and lay members who unreservedly support Ukraine.
The European Union has expressed concerns about the potential escalation of religious tensions in Ukraine due to the ban on the Orthodox Church aligning with Russia. This ban, primarily targeting the Moscow Patriarchate, could strain relations between Ukraine and its Western allies, who encourage dialogue and religious harmony.
Despite the European Union's opposition, the European Union remains a significant trading partner for Ukraine, and any tensions could indirectly impact their economic relations.
