UOC Legal Department: Cross procession can be banned only in court

The cross procession of the UOC. Photo: pravlife.org

The Legal Department noted that the prohibition of cross processions through legal proceedings is regulated by a decision of the Constitutional Court, which stipulates that the right to freedom of religion is exercised individually or collectively, in private or public places.

Additionally, Article 39, Part 1 of the Constitution of Ukraine provides for the right of citizens to hold peaceful assemblies, marches, or demonstrations.

The UOC also stressed that a cross procession is a religious service performed according to strict church rules, and the primary activity during a cross procession is prayer.

"Cross processions have never been seen as displays of strength or political actions. It has always been a religious service during which participants needed to not only pray to God with their minds but also reinforce their prayers with physical labour – sometimes through a quite lengthy march," the Legal Department stated.

"No law prohibits holding divine services in the form of a procession. However, the law does establish a prohibition on anyone interfering with such a religious service and making decisions to prohibit the performance of religious services/rituals," the UOC added.

As reported, the Ternopil Regional Council banned the movement of the UOC's cross procession in the region.

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