Political expert: Epiphany implies being under US protection to Zelensky

Head of the OCU Epiphany Dumenko and President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky. Photo: interfax.com.ua

"Primate" of the new church structure Epiphany Dumenko made it clear to President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky that his OCU has the patronage of the US Department of State, said political analyst Ruslan Biziayev on the air of "1 Kozak".

The expert recalled a video calling for peace released by Zelensky immediately after he had become President of Ukraine. In this video, the heads of all religious organizations that exist in the territory of our state were supposed to appear. The head of the OCU was then the only one to refuse to participate in the preparation of the video.

Biziayev also drew attention to the involvement of American politicians in the recognition of the OCU by the Greek Orthodox Church.

“The key moderator of this whole story with the advent of the OCU is the US Department of State. No one hides this fact. We remember the situation in the Greek Church – who lobbied for the issue there. Interesting, huh? The US Ambassador to Greece, very well-known to us Mr. Payette, personally dealt with this issue,” said the political analyst.

In this matter, the State Department’s position is crucial, he concluded.

Recall that on October 19, 2019, Epiphany was awarded in the United States for the protection of Phanar’s privileges. Later, the head of the OCU thanked the US State Department for their support. Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, in turn, said that the OCU is associated with Western democracy.

Read also

ROCOR Priest Reflects on Trip to Capitol Hill

Archpriest Victor Boldewskul participated in the Society of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco's Day of Action to raise awareness about the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

Hundreds of Chinese Christians Arrested in Pre-Christmas Crackdown

Hundreds of Chinese Christians face spending Christmas in detention after authorities launched a sweeping pre-holiday crackdown on churches under Beijing’s campaign to control religious life.

Ukraine Adviser: UOC Not Banned, but Offered a 'Choice' of Jurisdictions

A Ukrainian presidential adviser said the UOC is not banned but pressured to choose between joining the OCU, submitting to Constantinople, or remaining unregistered, while dismissing international concerns as propaganda.

Indiana Reports 98% Drop in Abortions Under Stricter Law

Indiana’s latest health report shows a 98% drop in reported abortions under stricter laws, though dozens still occurred under legal exceptions and concerns persist about unreported pill abortions.

Armenian Apostolic Church Pushes Back on Political Encroachment

The Armenian Apostolic Church plans to appeal to international bodies to resist government interference and defend its clergy and sacred relics.

Attempted Takeover at Armenian Etchmiadzin Cathedral Thwarted by Faithful

Supporters of Armenian PM Pashinyan attempted to storm Etchmiadzin Cathedral amid calls for the Catholicos’s resignation but were blocked by parishioners and security.