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

Zelensky: We are preparing for millennium of symbolic place of our strength

The President signed a decree launching preparations for the 1,000th anniversary of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, which will mark 975 years since its foundation in August 2026.

Zelensky says where Mazepa monument will be erected in Kyiv

A monument to Hetman Ivan Mazepa will be erected on Shevchenko Boulevard in Kyiv – at the site where the monument to Lenin was toppled in December 2013.

Zelensky marks Constitution Day at Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra

The President posed for a photo with S. Dumenko and Stefanchuk against the backdrop of a bust of Mazepa.

Sweden launches map of mosques to monitor spread of Islam

The Sweden Democrats added 238 mosques and prayer rooms to a migration map, stating the need to monitor their funding.

Lavra abbot ordains monastery resident as deacon

During the Liturgy at St. Barbara Church, Metropolitan Pavel ordained Monk Avramiy, a resident of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, to the diaconate.

Turkish officials arrested over extortion from Constantinople Church

In Istanbul, the head of the Adalar district and municipal officials were arrested in a case involving extortion from an Orthodox foundation that was exempt from fees.