Oleh Pokalchuk, a psychologist and lobbyist for the interests of the  Orthodox Church of Ukraine in the mass media, has suggested that believers of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church should be treated as addicted to the influence of totalitarian sects. He said this in a commentary to Ukrinform. Pokalchuk believes that believers of the UOC are dependent on the Church just as followers of sectarian movements are dependent on their beliefs, so there is no sense in trying to convince such people rationally.

“The process of displacement of the Moscow Patriarchate should be regarded as therapy for those dependent on totalitarian sects, a process that is not easy. But the Moscow Patriarchate, its rhetoric, technology, behavior management – are absolutely identical to the practice of totalitarian sects”, – Pokalchuk argues.

The psychologist argues that the “therapy” of the UOC believers should be supplemented with criminal prosecutions.

“Everyone first of all the clergy and faithful of the MP should realize that there is a difference between worldview things and certain actions that lead to criminal liability. Any therapeutic practice is impossible if we do not show how the legal field works”, – Pokalchuk concluded.