Kiev, June 22, 2026
Photo: uoc-news.church
Ukrainian authorities have fined Orthodox Christians for holding a religious procession under martial law restrictions while simultaneously facilitating a Pride parade in Kiev.
A statement from the Information-Education Department of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church notes that authorities closed streets, limited transport, and provided security for a pride parade held in Kiev yesterday.
The contrast has drawn sharp criticism from public figures as well, the UOC notes, who point to the double standard targeting UOC believers specifically.
On June 14, Orthodox faithful in Bukovina held a traditional cross procession to the Krasnoilsk Monastery. Administrative protocols were subsequently drawn up against the organizers, with the stated basis being martial law restrictions on mass gatherings.
Meanwhile, large concerts, festivals, and other mass events have continued to take place across Ukraine in recent months. The UOC also notes that the Ternopil-Zboriv Archdiocese of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church regularly conducts pilgrimages on foot to Zarvanitsia without facing administrative consequences.
Administrative protocols for cross processions are being issued solely against UOC believers, according to the statement.
The KyivPride march took place in the capital on Sunday, June 21, drawing around 5,000 participants—the largest such event since the start of the war. For the occasion, city authorities closed streets, restricted public transport, and provided security for attendees.
Religious citizens have expressed outrage at the situation, questioning how a country at war can restrict prayer processions while giving a green light to mass events promoting gender ideology, the UOC notes.
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