Serbian priest blames Rep. Joe Wilson for slandering the Church
Reverend Protopresbyter Vasily Vranich. Photo: Serbian Orthodox Church of St. Luke
On November 18, 2025, Protopresbyter Vasilije Vranic issued a sharp rebuke of Congressman Joe Wilson for his allegations of “foreign influence” on Orthodoxy in the United States, and likewise condemned a The Hill publication that echoed similar claims. UOJ in America reported the statement.
The priest, who serves at the Serbian Orthodox Church of St. Luke and is the dean of Washington under Bishop Irinej, stressed that Wilson’s remarks and The Hill’s article distort the reality and create a false image of Orthodox clergy.
In a statement to UOJ in the USA, Fr. Vasilije said such assertions reveal “shocking ignorance” and a complete disregard for the “egregious violations of human rights and religious freedom in Ukraine” committed against the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. According to him, a "supposedly reputable news outlet, which The Hill purports to be, is publishing flagrant falsehoods."
He added that such publications mislead the public and create dangerous precedents in the public sphere. “I am very concerned about the future of our country if this continues without repercussions,” the priest emphasized.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that an American politician had criticized a congressman for discrediting hierarchs.
Read also
Media show abandoned churches in Lviv region falling into ruin
A blogger has drawn attention to the condition of shrines in Lviv region that have been left without care or protection.
Hierarch of Constantinople: We hold highest authority in Orthodox Church
Archbishop Elpidophoros compared the status of the Church of Constantinople to the position of the pope in the Roman Catholic Church.
Authorities strip UOC community of St Michael’s Church in Krasnokutsk
The prosecutor’s office described the deprivation of the UOC community’s property rights to the St Michael’s church in Krasnokutsk as “the protection of historical heritage”.
Abbess Serafima appeals to premier over eviction of nuns in Baturyn
The head of the Synodal Department of the UOC “Church and Culture” asks Svyrydenko to restore to the sisters of the St Nicholas Monastery in Baturyn the opportunity to remain there through the winter until a court ruling is issued.
Orthodox bishops lead a prayer at March for Life in Washington
Hierarchs from different Local Churches offered a prayer for unborn children at the largest pro-life event in the United States, which drew about 10,000 participants.
UOC's Dormition Monastery in Odesa damaged by shelling
During the night, the Dormition Monastery came under fire. Utility and church buildings were damaged, and one person was wounded.