Ambassador: USA uphold granting Tomos to Ukraine

The Ambassador of Ukraine to the US is sure that the Orthodox Churches of America are consolidated in relation to the Tomos

The United States support granting of the Tomos on autocephaly to Ukraine, Ukrainian Ambassador to the US Valeriy Chaly told in an interview with Ukrinform.

According to Chaly, the issue of religion is not the sphere directly influenced by state structures.

"This is a prerogative of namely religious organizations," the Ambassador said. “In fact, we have consolidated support of Orthodox Churches of the entire Western half-globe. I am very grateful for the position of the UOC in the US, to the leadership of Metropolitan Anthony and Archbishop Daniel, for the unity demonstrated just a few days ago during the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the foundation of the UOC in America."

The diplomat stressed that the UOC in the US is supportive of this issue; although there were some discussions but now they are over and we have received full support.

This week, the UOC in the United States stated they are not rushing to join the future Local Church in Ukraine. According to Metropolitan Anthony (Shcherba) of Hierapolis in an interview with the Voice of America, the union is possible only "when the newly formed Church in Ukraine reaches a certain maturity and functions outside the framework of political processes and personal ambitions and interests."

Previously, journalist Viacheslav Pikhovshek said the USA impose pressure on the Constantinople Patriarch in terms of creating a Single Local Church and actively influence the process with the help of their diplomats.

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