DISINFO: Neo-pagans struggle against Orthodox Christianity in Ukraine
SUMMARY
The persecution of priests from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Ukraine was initiated by neo-Nazis. It is a struggle between neo-pagan Ukrainian nationalism and Orthodox Christianity. Ukraine has witnessed a high incidence of violence against priests and monks, bloodshed and repression against those believers of the canonical Orthodox Church.
RESPONSE
This is a recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative portraying Ukraine as an enemy of the Orthodox Church.
In reality, there is no persecution of Ukrainian Orthodox Christians. In late 2022, the Ukrainian government said it would draw up a law banning churches affiliated with Russia for their anti-Ukrainian and pro-Russia activities. This move was mostly aimed at stopping the activities of the so-called Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate [UOC-MP] in Ukraine. This religious organisation is affiliated with Russia and is considered a key influence tool for Moscow in the country. Its leadership has voiced its full support for Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, including siding closely with Putin, blessing soldiers and Russian guns and offering the church's support.
The Ukrainian government does not plan to ban Orthodoxy. The parishes of the UOC-MP are free to switch to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine which received the Tomos of Autocephaly in January 2019. The Ukrainians enjoy freedom of religion. There are various religious faiths and denominations in Ukraine, including neo-pagan groups such as Rindovira and Runvira. They are not numerous and do not intend to destroy Orthodox Christianity.
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