Zelenskyy implements prohibition on Moscow church establishment
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has endorsed the disputed law prohibiting the Orthodox Church that aligns with Moscow. This information originates from Ukraine's official legislative database. The contentious prohibition is substantiated by the Moscow Patriarchate's backing of Russia's conflict against Ukraine.
Historically, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church held significant influence in Ukraine's religious sphere. However, it was allied with Moscow Patriarchate until 2022. Following the initiation of the war, it formally severed ties and denounced the war. Nonetheless, Kyiv accuses the church of validating Russian atrocities against its own people and disseminating Russian propaganda. Scores of clergy members have been suspected of operating as spies or artillery spotters for Russia.
The ban reportedly impacts about three million faithful followers. Metropolitan Epifaniy, the leader of the autonomous Orthodox Church of Ukraine, has urged them to switch allegiances. Epiphaniy's church currently boasts more adherents than the Moscow-affiliated one.
Moscow persists in advocating for Ukraine's integration, both politically and religiously. In response to Ukraine's parliament's decision to disband the church, Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, declared: "The aim is to obliterate the authentic, canonical Orthodoxy." Moreover, Moscow alleges that the Ukrainian government infringes on its citizens' religious liberty rights.
The prohibition against the Orthodox Church that aligns with Moscow, as endorsed by President Zelensky, has sparked controversy due to its potential infringement on religious freedom rights, as argued by Russia. Despite the church's historical influence in Ukraine, its alliance with Moscow and perceived validation of Russian actions have led to accusations of propagating Russian propaganda and supporting Russian atrocities.
