Amsterdam: While UOC soldiers defend Ukraine, their churches are seized

Seizure of the church house of the UOC community in Ladyzhyn. Photo: UOJ collage

Many servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, who are believers of the UOC, may lose the opportunity to pray in their faith due to the adoption of Bill No. 8371. This was stated in an interview with telejournalist Tucker Carlson by the head of the law firm Amsterdam & Partners LLP, Robert Amsterdam.

The UOC lawyer stressed that many of those currently on the front lines are believers of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

"Many of the men on the frontline are members of our Church who sit there and watch, day by day, as secret police wearing death masks come and steal their religious home. Imagine how they feel knowing that their parents, their families are losing their places of worship?" Bob Amsterdam asked.

In his opinion, if a new bill 7381, effectively banning the UOC, is passed, they will not even be able to gather to pray.

"Because the churches will be taken away from them, but it may even be a crime for them to meet and pray," he noted.

The human rights defender added that "this unlimited attack on the historical Church is unconscionable."

"I am absolutely heart-broken that American Christians have not taken up this fight," concluded the American lawyer.

As the UOJ reported, Robert Amsterdam stated that the UOC is a patriotic Church, its members are fighting on the frontlines.

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.