Amsterdam to US Republicans: Ukraine must ensure freedom of religion

Robert Amsterdam at a meeting with NYYRC representatives. Photo : UOJ in America

On August 5, 2025, in New York, there was a meeting between the international lawyer of the UOC, Robert Amsterdam, and the New York Young Republican Club (NYYRC) of the USA, reports UOJ in America.

The president of the organization, Stefano Forte, an Orthodox Christian, emphasized while commenting on the persecution of the UOC: "Right now they are going after the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, but your Church is next, and Christians must stand together."

Robert Amsterdam stated that right now representatives of the Ukrainian authorities are destroying the UOC. At the same time, American taxes are going to support and finance Ukraine.

"There are underground, catacomb churches sprouting up around Ukraine. I want to remind everyone that, our government, with our tax dollars, is funding this nonsense. I want to be clear: I don't want the flow of aid to stop, but if Ukraine is going to fight for freedom, the first one must be Freedom of Religionm", said Amsterdam.

According to him, "Zelensky's ministers said that the time for religious purges has come".

He emphasized that Zelensky, who is pushing the persecution of the UOC, has extremely low ratings in the country, and in the event of elections, would have no chance of a second term.

The lawyer also highlighted the role of the Constantinople Church in the persecution of the UOC.

"If Zelensky received a call from Patriarch Bartholomew tonight, the persecutions would end tomorrow," emphasized Amsterdam.

Earlier, UOJ wrote that in New York they will talk about Zelensky's war against Christians in Ukraine.

Read also

MP: Rada to introduce Day of Old Rus fleet’s campaign against Constantinople

Maksym Buzhanskyi announced the preparation of a new list of state and "religious" holidays.

In Israel, synagogues and mosques closed due to military conflict

Israeli authorities have banned mass gatherings, including services during Ramadan and before Purim.

Romanian Patriarchate calls for peace in the Middle East and Ukraine

The Romanian Orthodox Church has stated the need for urgent solutions to restore peace and called for prayer for those in the world's military conflict zones.

Kyiv City Council deputy: We aim to ensure no UOC communities in Kyiv region

Tytykalo stated that the deputies set the task of "cleansing the Kyiv region of the UOC".

395 UOC churches damaged by shelling since start of war – report

An updated report on damaged religious sites over four years of war in Ukraine includes data on 395 affected UOC churches, as well as hundreds of destroyed or damaged facilities belonging to other denominations.

GOC opens fundraising drive for Sinai Monastery and Holy Sepulchre Church

The Holy Synod of the Church of Greece has called on Greece’s metropolises and parishes to collect donations to support the ancient shrines on Sinai and in Jerusalem.