An appeal of twelve deputies of the Verkhovna Rada, headed by the deputy Yaremenko B.V. to Patriarch Bartholomew during their visit to Turkey. The Union of Orthodox Lawyers considers this appeal to be a violation of the Constitution by the current government, writes UOL in its Telegram channel.

“Once again, we state violations by the current government of the Basic Law – the Constitution of Ukraine. So, Art. 35 CU stipulates that the Church and religious organizations in Ukraine are separated from the state. At the same time, B.V. Yaremenko, having allowed gross interference in the affairs of the Church and religious organizations of Ukraine, in the absence of competence and powers, on behalf of the President of Ukraine and its citizens, turned to Patriarch Bartholomew with an official invitation of the latter to celebrate the Independence Day of Ukraine.

Once again, we note the granting of preferences and the factual confirmation of financing by the current government of the religious organization “Orthodox Church of Ukraine”.

However, besides this, in the actions of Yaremenko B.V. and other people’s deputies, there are signs of criminal offenses, namely: unauthorized appropriation of power (part 1 of article 353 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine) and violation of the equality of citizens depending on their religious beliefs (part 3 of article 161 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

The visit itself deserves special attention, since neither on the website of the President of Ukraine, nor on the official page of the profile committee of the Verkhovna Rada there are relevant messages about official visits of Ukrainian delegations to Patriarch Bartholomew.

At the same time, this trip was accompanied by civilians – the wives (husbands) of People’s Deputies. Which brings up the question of the source of funding for this visit in terms of the flight and accommodation of members of the families of people’s representatives.

Is there a corruption component in this case? This question should be answered by the NAPK and the Accounts Chamber. And we, in turn, are waiting for the reaction of law enforcement agencies and comprehensive explanations from the people’s deputies, ”writes UOL.