OCU Primate tells French Ambassador why Christians do not perceive the Istanbul Convention

This is reported by the OCU website.

The Primate of the OCU informed the guests about the development of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, recognition from other local Orthodox Churches, the activities of the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations, and told about the history of St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery, in particular about the events during the Revolution Dignity, when the European way of development of Ukraine was confirmed.

During the conversation, there was an exchange of views on several topical issues. It was about the undeclared Russian-Ukrainian war and the situation of the parishes of the OCU in the temporarily occupied Crimea and in certain areas of the Donbas.

Metropolitan Epifaniy stressed the need to extend and strengthen sanctions against the aggressor country.

Also, the parties discussed possible cooperation in the humanitarian sphere, charitable activities and combating domestic violence.

The Ambassador asked the Primate of the Local Ukrainian Orthodox Church about his position on the Istanbul Convention's ratification.

In response, Metropolitan Epifaniy noted that we strive to be a part of European civilization. However, there are things that Ukrainian religious communities, like society as a whole, cannot accept. When it comes to equality of women and men's rights, the human right to life or protection against domestic violence, we sincerely certify the support of these principles. However, we do not perceive or approve the obviously ideologically motivated interpretation of the term "gender", which is contained in the Istanbul Convention, not in the meaning of male or female, but as a personal belief.

At the end of the conversation, Metropolitan Epifaniy thanked for the visit and support of our state.

"We are grateful to France for the continued support of the territorial integrity of Ukraine. I am confident that thanks to the help of such friends, we will finally reach a full involvement in the European community," said the OCU representative.