Head of New York Young Republicans condemns congressman for attacking UOC
President of the New York Young Republican Club Stefano Ludaros Forte. Photo: StefanoLforte's account on Х
On 17 November 2025, Stefano Ludaro Forte, head of the New York Young Republicans Club, responded on his X account (formerly Twitter) to Rep. Joe Wilson’s remarks about alleged “foreign influence” in American Orthodoxy.
In a second post, Forte accused Wilson of repeating propagandistic claims against the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and ignoring the real facts of its persecution. According to the activist, instead of attacking an entire confession, the congressman should find out what UOC believers are actually facing in Ukraine.
Forte cited information that Ukrainian authorities are drafting monks to the front lines and confronted the politician with a pointed question: “The Ukrainian gov is conscripting monks to the frontlines, and you’re giving them cover?”
He also invited Wilson to meet with UOC priests and monks, adding that he is ready to personally arrange such a meeting: “Maybe instead of attacking a whole faith, meet with the priests and monks fighting to save their church. My DMs are open if you want to meet them. Your Christian constituents are watching.”
In Forte’s view, at a time when the UOC is experiencing unprecedented pressure, it is unacceptable for American politicians to side with the persecutors.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the Serbian Church had accused The Hill of slandering its hierarch.
Read also
Kosovo to enact law restricting Serbian Church, experts say
Analysts warn that the new "Law on Foreigners" in Kosovo could restrict the presence of clergy, believers' access to shrines, and increase pressure on the Serbian community.
Congress Speaker: Demand to introduce Sharia law in USA is a serious problem
The Speaker of the House of Representatives stated that there is growing concern in society about attempts to impose Islamic law, which is incompatible with the American Constitution.
UK government introduces restrictions on "anti-Muslim hostility"
UK authorities have adopted a new definition of "Islamophobia" which, according to experts, could provide Muslims with special protection and restrict freedom of speech.
Dumenko brings icon in Church Slavonic to Ministry of Health
Epifaniy presented cardiologists with an Intercession icon, with inscriptions in Church Slavonic, which his structure calls a "sign of the Moscow tradition".
ISIS supporters carries out terrorist attack at anti-Islamic protest in NY
Near the home of New York's Muslim mayor, radicals threw two makeshift bombs at protesters during an anti-Islamic rally.
Hryshchuk: If UOC hands over its church itself, angle grinders aren't needed
An OCU chaplain called on UOC believers to accept the loss of the shrine for the sake of their own "enlightenment".