U.S. welcomes autocephaly granted to OCU

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Photo: open sources

On January 10, 2019, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo issued a statement on the granting of autocephaly to the OCU, calling it a “historic achievement” and reiterating the United States’ “strong support” for Ukraine, according to the State Department website.

“The January 6 announcement of autocephaly for an independent Orthodox Church of Ukraine marks a historic achievement as Ukraine seeks to chart its own future. On this momentous occasion, the United States reiterates its strong support for a sovereign, independent Ukraine,” Pompeo wrote.

He stressed that the United States “maintains its unwavering support” for the freedom of religious groups “to govern their religion according to their beliefs, free of outside interference,” as well as for religious freedom in general.

The U.S. Secretary of State also welcomed remarks by OCU head “Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine” Epifaniy Dumenko that the OCU was open to all Orthodox believers.

“We welcome Metropolitan Epifaniy’s remarks that the Orthodox Church of Ukraine is open to all Orthodox believers, and encourage government and Church officials to promote tolerance and respect for the freedom of members of all religious affiliations to worship as they choose,” Pompeo said.

As a reminder, on October 19, 2018, Mike Pompeo called on the Ukrainian authorities to continue moving toward the establishment of an autocephalous Church.
In December 2018, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo held a telephone conversation with OCU head “Metropolitan” Epifaniy, during which he stressed U.S. support for religious freedom and Ukraine’s sovereignty.

As a reminder, on October 19, 2018, Mike Pompeo called on the Ukrainian authorities to continue moving toward the establishment of an autocephalous Church.

In December 2018, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo held a telephone conversation with OCU head “Metropolitan” Epifaniy, during which he stressed U.S. support for religious freedom and Ukraine’s sovereignty.

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