Amsterdam to US Republicans: Ukraine must ensure freedom of religion

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

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.

Upper Lavra court hearing postponed

The next court hearing in the Upper Lavra case has been scheduled for November 3.

UOC priest blesses ambulances at Kamianske medical center

A UOC priest in Kamianske blessed ambulances for a medical facility and wished its doctors God's help in their work.

Dumenko to German ambassador: Law targeting UOC also applies to other groups

Epifaniy Dumenko sought to defend Ukraine’s law restricting religious organizations during a meeting with the German ambassador.

Activists bused to court hearings in UOC cases, media say

A minibus has been spotted transporting protesters to and from courthouses where UOC cases are being heard.

Firefighters save historic UOC church from fire in Zakarpattia

A fire broke out at a UOC church in the Tiachiv district, damaging the altar and church furnishings.

Volyn Eparchy faithful collect six tons of aid for Sviatohirsk Lavra

Believers in Volyn collected food and warm clothing for people displaced by the war who have found shelter at Sviatohirsk Lavra.