Ex-ambassador: USA considers creation of OCU its achievement
A meeting of the US Secretary of State and the Head of the OCU in Kyiv, 6.05.2021. Photo: Epiphany Facebook page
In the United States, the creation of the OCU is considered their achievement. Former Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States Valeriy Chaly said this on the air of the “Priamyi” TV channel, reports the channel's website.
“The American side ... Incidentally, this may not be known in the Office of the President. In the past period, the key foreign policy theme was freedom of religion. And the issue of the autonomous church was promoted by Ukraine with the support of our partners. The United States did – I can say this now – a lot to make this issue a reality for Ukraine. This is a huge achievement, which they consider theirs as well. Maybe this is exaggerated, but there are such sentiments,” Chaly said.
AS reported, on May 6, Kyiv hosted a meeting between the head of the OCU Epiphany and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who was in Ukraine on a two-day visit. Meetings with representatives of other religious organizations in Ukraine were not provided for in the official programme of Blinken's visit. According to the experts, this is a sign of unconditional support for the OCU from the United States and a signal to the Ukrainian authorities.
Read also
Petition Warns Canada’s Hate Speech Law Could Criminalize Scripture
Thousands of Canadians have signed a petition urging the Liberal government to drop proposed hate-speech changes that critics warn could criminalize quoting the Bible and other religious texts.
JD Vance: Criticizing Israel Is Not Antisemitism
Vice President JD Vance said opposing Israeli policies is not the same as antisemitism, sparking debate over where criticism of Israel ends and hatred of Jews begins.
First Orthodox Prayer Book Published in Indonesian Language
The first Orthodox prayer book in Indonesian has been published and presented in Bekasi, providing local faithful and new converts with a vital resource for prayer and liturgical life.
OCA Joins Legal Challenge to Illinois Abortion Referral Law
Amicus brief argues mandate violates religious freedom and compels pro-life providers to contradict their faith.
EXCLUSIVE: Leaked Ukrainian Memo Says Religious Freedom is ‘Achilles Heel’
In an emergency strategy meeting held in response to the Society of St. John's Day of Action, D.C.-based Ukrainian lobbyists acknowledged the weight of the religious freedom issue as it pertains to the Ukrainian government’s public perception.
Historic $2.9 Million Bequest Strengthens Greek Orthodox Foundation
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Foundation has received a record $2.9 million bequest from the late Andy Efthim, a devoted layman whose faith-filled generosity will support the Church’s mission for generations.