Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman: After the liquidation of the UOC, the Church's temples will be converted into shops, bathhouses, and hotels

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova speculated on what would happen to the churches of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church if the UOC were banned by law and its property expropriated. According to Zakharova, the churches of the UOC, following European practice, would be used for any purpose other than their intended purpose. Zakharova’s words were reported by RIA Novosti.

«The justification of the Kyiv regime is expressed in various spheres, but one of the most representative is how the Ukrainian Orthodox Church is being destroyed. This is being done with particular cynicism. Earlier, Ukraine recognized the UOC as “affiliated with a foreign religious organization — the Russian Orthodox Church, whose activities are prohibited in Ukraine.” I have one question for the Ukrainian State Service for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience: what nationality is your God? I’m just curious what passport he has. This also needs to be determined during the investigation. I think they will succeed. This is not sarcasm, it is the logic of their actions. Religious cleansing is taking place in Ukraine. They make no secret of their intentions to deprive the UOC of its property rights — the vast majority of churches. That is probably what they want to get their hands on. The attempt to decapitate the largest denomination in Ukraine will be carried out. We see that Orthodox churches in Ukraine have emptied. When they are finally removed, what will be there? There will be bathhouses, shops, and hotels,» — said the diplomat.

Earlier, Svitlana Kotlyarevska, acting director general of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra National Reserve, said that in order to increase the number of visitors to the Lavra, it is necessary to develop hospitality infrastructure: open cafes, souvenir shops, sell ice cream, and even create a special brand of “Lavra coffee.” .