The Ukrainian Orthodox Church performs its ministry in very difficult conditions, since the clergy and believers have to constantly face aggression both from some representatives of the Ukrainian politicians and the media, and from those who consider themselves to be members of the newly created OCU. Bishop Victor of Baryshev said this in an interview for the Greek media, according to the Information and Education Department of the UOC.

“Despite the officially neutral position of the central government and the processes taking place in the state, we are still under pressure. Of course, depending on the region, it has different forms – from banal grievances and physical violence to the blockade of representatives of the UOC at all levels.

On the other hand, such a state of the Church allows us to say what we think and to be completely independent in our position from any outside interference. It should be emphasized here that our position is the preaching of Christ. The UOC is not engaged in politics, does not support any political parties or slogans, does not follow new trends in public life and does not consider it necessary to adapt to them, “the hierarch said.