Metropolitan Varsonofy of Vinnitsa and Bar reminded the deputies of the legal norms, according to which any attempt to restrict the activities of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church is a gross violation of the rights of citizens of Ukraine.  This was reported by the Information and Educational Departmend of the UOC.

On November 24, 2022, the press service of the Vinnytsia diocese published a comment-clarification by Metropolitan Varsonofy of Vinnitsa and Bar for the deputies of the Vinnitsa Regional Council and local officials of the Vinnitsa region regarding the attempt to ban the activities of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

In this appeal, Metropolitan Varsonofy reminded officials of Article 35 of the Constitution of Ukraine, which affirms the right of every citizen of Ukraine to freedom of opinion and religion.

According to this article, no one can establish binding beliefs and worldviews.  Any coercion is not allowed when a citizen determines his attitude to religion, to confession or refusal to confess religion, to participation or non-participation in worship, religious rites and ceremonies, teaching religion.