U.S. Orthodox delegation discusses protection of UOC with congresswoman

Meeting of Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna with a delegation of American Orthodox Churches. Photo: UOJ in America

On November 18, 2025, in the United States, a delegation of Orthodox Churches met with a member of Congress to raise concerns over the defense of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, UOJ in America reports. Bishops, priests, monastics, and laity of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA), the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR), and the Antiochian, Serbian, and Constantinopolitan Churches met with U.S. Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna to discuss ongoing repression against the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

The meeting was organized by the St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco Society – a pan-Orthodox fellowship of American Orthodox Christians. Hierarchs in attendance included Metropolitan Nicholas (ROCOR) and Bishop John Abdallah (Antiochian Archdiocese). Metropolitan Tikhon (OCA) was represented by Archpriest David Bozeman, and Bishop Irinej of the Serbian Church was represented by Archpriest Vasilije Vranic.

The following list of items were also asked of the U.S. government:

• The repeal of the anti-UOC law (Law 3894) currently being implemented.
• The liberation of Met. Arseniy of Sviatohirsk and other imprisoned clergy; for medical care to be provided to prisoners in accordance with international norms and the agreements Ukraine herself has signed.
• An end to the impressment of clergy into the armed forces; that those serving would be taken out of combatant roles and placed in support roles (such as chaplains or medics – in accordance with international norms).

The representatives stressed that they are not calling for the cessation of military assistance to Ukraine; rather, they ask for mechanisms ensuring that foreign funding will not be used to persecute Christians.

In December, the St. John Society plans to bring several hundred Orthodox Christians from across the country to Capitol Hill for meetings with members of Congress on the issue of protecting the canonical Church in Ukraine.

The meeting drew criticism from Congressman Joe Wilson, who the day before suggested possible foreign influence. Luna responded sharply on her X account: “Bad take @RepJoeWilson. I just met with a number of orthodox church leaders (not just russian orthodox) that are requesting help because the government of Ukraine is jailing Christians for preaching their faith. They asked you your help and you do this? Do you really think taxpayer dollars should be going towards the persecution of Christians?”

In her official statement, Luna noted that in December she will organize a meeting of Orthodox Christians from across the country with members of Congress.

Earlier, UOJ reported that a meeting devoted to the protection of the UOC will be held at the White House.

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