Dmytro Vovk
A Blog of the Orthodox Christian Studies Center of Fordham University
In August 2024, the Ukrainian parliament adopted the law prohibiting the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) and establishing a court procedure for banning the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) if the latter did not sever its ties with Russia. While announcing the promulgation of the law, President Zelenskyi stressed that the law would finally bring spiritual liberation of Ukrainian Orthodoxy from “Moscow devils.” Nine months later, the Ukrainian government started its implementation. Based on a research study, the government has recognized that the UOC remained affiliated with the ROC and has issued an order requiring the church to eliminate this affiliation. If the UOC refuses, the government will have grounds to take the final step and bring the case to the court.
Formal recognition of the affiliation
In May – June 2025, the Ukrainian State Service for Ethnic Affairs and Freedom of Conscience (DESS) conducted a study of whether the UOC ruling body (the Kyiv Metropolis) was affiliated to the ROC. The study was performed by a research group consisting of the DESS First Deputy Head and four DESS employees. None of the members of the research group possesses any expertise in Orthodox ecclesiology or canon law, though the DESS first deputy head had made an academic career in religion and politics before entering civil service.