Amsterdam accuses Channel 5 of false claims
Robert Amsterdam. Photo: screenshot of the YouTube channel "Channel 5"
American lawyer of the UOC Robert Amsterdam, who is now in Ukraine, accused "Channel 5" and "Glavcom", which in their publications called him a "lobbyist of the Russian Orthodox Church", of false reporting. The lawyer published the document on the X network.
"This claim is false and bears all the hallmarks of the sort of weaponized disinformation designed to intimidate and threaten us during our consultations with our client in Kyiv. Neither I nor my firm have ever had any contact nor any relationship whatsoever with the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, nor any other member of clergy of that institution. We represent the Holy Synod of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church," Amsterdam said and underscored that the Ukrainian authorities had launched a "campaign of persecution" against the Church.
The lawyer said he had tried to contact Channel 5 to persuade them to correct its false reports, but "we are told that local Ukrainian media have been 'instructed' not to speak with us."
"We firmly reject these false claims of any association with the ROC, and we will not be deterred from our work on behalf of the UOC by these crass and unlawful tactics," the lawyer stressed.
We will remind, Amsterdam told Channel 5 that there is no room for banning religions in Europe.
Read also
Bukovyna believers deliver 30 t of humanitarian aid to Sviatohirsk Lavra
Since 2022, parishioners of the Chernivtsi-Bukovyna Eparchy of the UOC have made nine humanitarian trips to the Holy Dormition Sviatohirsk Lavra, delivering food, clothing, and other essentials to those affected by the ongoing military conflict.
Cherkasy City Council takes away three church land plots from UOC
The City Council Secretary claimed that the UOC represents “forces supporting aggression against Ukraine”.
Patriarch Bartholomew honored for climate protection and ecumenical efforts
Particular recognition was given to the Patriarch’s ecumenical and interfaith initiatives, both within and beyond the Abrahamic traditions.
Raider from OCU goes on seizures accompanied by Right Sector journalist
The woman travels with the raiding group through the villages of Bukovyna.
Court hearing on the eviction of monks from Lower Lavra postponed
The next hearing is scheduled for May 1 and is expected to take place with the participation of representatives from the Kyiv Metropolis of the UOC.
“Brutal medievalism”: MP criticizes church raids by OCU in Bukovyna
Mazurashu emphasized that decisions on parish transitions must be made by actual parishioners – not “parachuted-in” outsiders or raiders.