The press service of the Khmelnytsky diocese of the UOC commented on Epifaniy Dumenko’s statement that, in his opinion, “the process of unification of the UOC communities with the PCU in Khmelnytskyi region is successful” because the Khmelnytskyi “diocese” of the OCU is the leader in “joining” parishes” to this structure.
In the press service of the Khmelnytsky diocese noted that, according to the legislation of Ukraine, namely Article 8 of the Law of Ukraine “On Freedom of Conscience and Religious Organizations”, the decision to change the subordination and making appropriate changes or amendments to the charter is adopted by at least two-thirds of the number of members of the religious community.
“And such cases in Khmelnytskyi diocese in recent years did take place, however, they were isolated. At the same time, it should be stated that the so-called “unity” takes place not on the principles of voluntary expression of will, but by raiding the churches of the UOC by supporters of the OCU. Evidence of the fact that the UOC believers do not want to change their confessional affiliation are the empty seized churches and the practical cessation of active parish life and charitable projects, which were previously actively engaged in by the believers of the UOC religious communities”, – the commentary reads.
The press service also added that, in the opinion of the head of the OCU, the “success” in the process of “joining” the OCU in the Khmelnytskyi diocese “shows that our citizens are responsible patriots, kind, wise, and accordingly make a decision to be in their Ukrainian Orthodox Church.”
“In our opinion, however, the “success” during the raiding of the UOC churches testifies only to the fact that now in Ukraine in the religious sphere, unfortunately, the basic laws of the state, which are designed to ensure and protect the right of every citizen to free choice of religion, do not operate. We hope that this phenomenon is temporary, and sooner or later each violator of the law will have to answer for his illegal actions”, – emphasized in Khmelnytsky diocese of the UOC.
The press service emphasized that they will defend their temples and shrines, and will do it “with a prayer on their lips and on the basis of the current legislation of Ukraine, and not with the help of a crowbar and a sledgehammer. Because the Orthodox believers of Khmelnytsky diocese are sincere patriots of their country, who respect its legislation and love their native Ukrainian land”.
