UOC Abroad urges to stop persecution of DECR deputy head and believers

Clergymen of the Western European Vicariate of the UOC. Photo: vzcz.church.ua

"We oppose illegal actions, persecution, and blatant slander against citizens of Ukraine - believers of the UOC, and draw the attention of the international community to the illegal criminal prosecution of Father Mykolai Danylevych," stated the West European Vicariate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church on April 13, 2024.

The UOC Vicariate categorically denies the accusations brought against Archpriest Mykolai Danylevych by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) of inciting religious discord and justifying Russia's armed aggression.

In particular, the statement reacted to the SBU's claims that UOC parishes abroad allegedly "spread Russian propaganda narratives".

This not only contradicts reality, the Vicariate states, but also insults the religious feelings of Ukrainian citizens "who had to flee the war to Europe, and for whom the UOC churches here have become almost the only place where they feel at home."

It is emphasized that the activities of the UOC Vicariate abroad are aimed at supporting Ukrainian migrants and preserving their faith, culture, and identity.

"In this regard, the international activities of Archpriest Mykolai testify only to his consistent work in favor of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and a positive image for Ukraine," the message says.

Speaking out against illegal actions, persecution, and blatant slander against citizens of Ukraine - UOC believers, the Vicariate draws the attention of the international community to the illegal criminal prosecution of Father Nikolai.

"The West European Vicariate of the UOC expresses support for Father Nikolai Danilevich and calls for an end to the criminal prosecution of Father Nikolai Danilevich and believers and clergy of the UOC. We call on all responsible persons both in Ukraine and abroad to ensure UOC believers' right to freedom of religion," the believers concluded in their appeal.

As reported by the UOJ, on April 12, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) handed a suspicion to Archpriest Mykolai Danylevych, Deputy Chairman of the Department for External Church Relations of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, under two articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

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