Ukraine Moves to Ban Russian-Linked Orthodox Church Amid Continuing Tensions
On Tuesday, August 20, Ukraine's parliament voted to ban the Russian-linked Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), a decisive step as Kyiv seeks to sever religious, social, and institutional ties with entities it views as connected to Moscow. This legislative action is part of a broader effort that has intensified since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with the Russian Orthodox Church's endorsement of the military aggression further fueling anti-Russian sentiments in Ukraine.
The bill, which received overwhelming support from the Members of Parliament (MPs), aims to outlaw religious organizations that maintain connections with Russia, particularly the UOC, which is affiliated with the Moscow patriarchate. Now that the legislation has passed, it awaits the approval of President Volodymyr Zelensky to take effect. However, the implementation of such a sweeping measure is expected to take several years, leaving many followers of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church concerned about their future.
In Kyiv, scenes of believers praying outside the Russian-affiliated section of the historic Kyiv Pechersk Lavra monastery have become commonplace, particularly since this area was closed to the public last year.
Responding to the parliamentary vote, the Russian Orthodox Church condemned the ban. Spokesperson Vladimir Legoida described the action as 'unlawful' and a grave violation of the fundamental principles of freedom of conscience and human rights. He expressed fears that such a bill could pave the way for the complete dissolution of parishes that align with the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which represents the majority of the Ukrainian populace. Legoida cautioned that enforcing this legislation could incite acts of violence against millions of adherents.
The head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, acknowledged the strains between the two churches during his visit to a monastery in northern Russia, stating that the current situation represents a difficult period marked by division. Kirill insisted that there would be 'no Moscow Church in Ukraine'.
Tensions between the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and its Russian counterpart have been escalating since Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the ongoing conflict in Eastern Ukraine, where Moscow-backed separatists have been fighting Ukrainian forces. In a significant move in 2019, the Istanbul-based head of the Eastern Orthodox Church granted autocephaly, or religious independence, to a breakaway faction known as the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), further straining the relationship between Ukraine and Russia.
Although the UOC officially severed its ties with the Russian Orthodox Church in 2022, some Ukrainian lawmakers have accused its leaders of colluding with Russian clerics amidst the ongoing conflict, intensifying calls for action against the church.
President Zelensky welcomed the newly passed bill, taking to social media to commend the Verkhovna Rada for adopting a law that represents Ukraine's spiritual independence. He emphasized the government’s commitment to strengthening Ukraine and its values, asserting resolutely, 'There will be no Moscow Church in Ukraine.'
Andriy Yermak, Zelensky's chief of staff, echoed this sentiment on Telegram, reinforcing the significance of the vote. In a post on Telegram, lawmaker Iryna Gerashchenko labeled the vote as 'historic,' framing it as a matter of national security rather than a religious issue.
In Moscow, the Russian Foreign Ministry, through spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, critiqued Ukraine's actions, claiming they are efforts to destroy 'true Orthodoxy.'
As the situation evolves, Ukraine's struggle for spiritual and political autonomy from Russia continues to unfold, highlighting not just a conflict over faith, but a broader battle for national identity and sovereignty.
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