Arestovych: You can’t trample 6.5 million people for loyalty to the Church

Oleksiy Arestovych. Photo: globallookpress.com

Oleksiy Arestovych, former advisor to the Office of the President of Ukraine, has stated that it is unacceptable to trample the faith of millions of believers in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), including the soldiers who are parishioners of the UOC and who sacrifice their lives on the frontlines to defend Ukraine. He made these remarks during a broadcast on his YouTube channel.

Arestovych emphasized that it is not permissible to target the 6.5 million people who are part of the UOC, which includes soldiers who are members of the UOC and are giving their lives to defend Ukraine, along with their mothers, relatives, and all who belong to this Church, whether by family tradition or personal choice.

He also reminded that the leadership of the UOC condemned the Russian invasion in its early hours. Arestovych asked whether it is reasonable to consider banning 6 million or even 3 million people. He emphasized that these individuals are not terrorists or involved in subversive activities, as they are sacrificing their lives on the frontlines.

"I remind you that Onufriy condemned the Russian invasion at 7 am, when it was completely unclear whether in 24 hours he would answer to the Russian paratroopers who would come and question him,” Arestovych noted.

Arestovych called for support and assistance to the processes within the Church, rather than attempting to destroy their faith. His statements came in response to concerns and criticisms regarding recent actions targeting the UOC by Ukrainian authorities. He highlighted the need for a more thoughtful and inclusive approach to address these issues.

As reported by the UOJ, Arestovych also mentioned that influential figures in the United States consider attacks on the UOC by Ukrainian authorities as unacceptable.

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