Report: Vance Confronts Bartholomew Over Ukraine Schism

Photo: Archons/Orthodox Observer/J. Mindala

WASHINGTON, DC — Ukrainian political analyst Kostiantyn Bondarenko revealed details of a White House meeting between Vice President J.D. Vance and Patriarch Bartholomew, as shared in a discussion with blogger Oleksandr Shelest.

Vance, a known advocate for religious freedoms, reportedly confronted the Patriarch about the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Ukraine.

Bartholomew attempted to justify his stance by referencing historical events like the Holodomor and Stalinist repressions. However, the Americans found this claim unconvincing.

The Patriarch was also questioned about his ties to former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, including Pompeo’s role in the creation of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and the granting of the Tomos. 

Vance supposedly accused the Ecumenical Patriarchate of receiving money from the U.S. government in exchange for granting "autocephaly" to the schismatic Orthodox Church in Ukraine.

Previously, the UOJ reported Bartholomew’s claim to Trump that he granted the Tomos to counter Russia, citing it as an enemy of Ukraine.

Read also