Religion

On Saturday evening, an official delegation from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church arrived in Kiev by a special flight from Jerusalem to bring the Holy Fire to the Orthodox Christians of Ukraine. Delivery of the Holy Fire became possible thanks to the help and participation of the Ukrainian businessman and people's deputy from the Opposition Bloc Vadym Novynskyi.

I am in Strasbourg at the session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE).

We have prepared a report on the unsound situation surrounding the Ukrainian church.

The Government's persistent interference in the affairs of the Church including attempts by politicians to outlaw the largest religious confession (the Ukrainian Orthodox Church), the constant attacks on bishops, the submission of draft laws discriminating against the Ukrainian Orthodox Church to the Verkhovna Rada – this is the contemporary reality in Ukraine. 

On 24 December, a delegation of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) headed by Metropolitan Onufriy of Kiev and All Ukraine arrived in Tbilisi. They celebrated the 39^th Anniversary of the Enthronement of Patriarch Ilia. Being a member of the delegation, Vadym Novynskyi congratulated His Holiness on the occasion of this great date.

For the entire Orthodox world, Patriarch Ilia is a genuine example of true service to God and mankind. His Holiness very warmly welcomed the UOC delegation. He expressed his support to His Beatitude Onufriy in these difficult times for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and said that he always prayed for His Beatitude, as well as for our Church and Ukraine.

Restoration of the Aedicule (Edicule) in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is nearing completion. The Aedicule, a small domical chapel in the centre of the Temple's Rotunda, contains the Holy Sepulchre – the most hallowed Christian shrine. World renowned experts have been involved in the restoration. The most advanced, and in many ways unique, technologies are being applied. The repairs are due to be completed by Easter 2017.

Vadym Novynskyi discussed moderate participation in the reconstruction of the Aedicule with His Holiness Patriarch Theophilos.