On November 3, 2022, the press service of the Vinnitsa diocese commented on the decision of the regional council to ban the UOC.  This was reported on the official website of the diocese.

The report notes that the clergy and believers of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the Vinnitsa region are citizens of Ukraine, most of them were born on this land and they all love their Motherland.

“Priests and believers of the UOC massively help our military Armed Forces of Ukraine, as well as provide shelter and assistance to all victims of Russian aggression.  Parishioners of the UOC in the Vinnytsia region serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, protecting our country from the enemy.  A large number of UOC believers work in various areas and institutions of the region, helping their country survive during the war.  These people pay taxes, support the economy of the country and the region, in particular, carry out active social service, and most importantly, they pray for the entire Ukrainian long-suffering people and the coming of peace in Ukraine,” the diocese said.

The statement also says that many believers of the UOC remain in Ukraine during the war, because they love their native land and see their future and the future of their children here.

“Most of the members of the commission (11 in total) are probably deliberately slandering the faithful of the UOC.  <… > Probably, the whole world has already seen that the Primate of the UOC, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onufry, condemned the aggression of Russia and the actions of President Putin on the first day of the war, and some deputies – members of the above-mentioned commission of the Vinnitsa Regional Council, probably did not hear about it.  Also, the head of the Vinnitsa diocese, Metropolitan Varsonofy, together with all the priests, condemned Russia’s aggression against Ukraine,” the press service notes.

The statement also recalled the official position of the Church, expressed in the decisions of the Holy Synod or the Council (Resolution of the Council of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of May 27, 2022).

“As citizens and residents of Ukraine, we ask the deputies of the Vinnitsa Regional Council not to incite religious hatred during the war, playing along with the enemy in such a difficult time for the country.  We urge to observe the Constitution of Ukraine, which guarantees free religion to all citizens.  Today, everyone must work together for the victory of Ukraine,” called in the diocese