U.S. politician: Millions of UOC believers simply wish to worship in peace
In Washington, Orthodox Christians rallied in support of the UOC. Photo: Catherine Whiteford's X
On December 16, 2025, a rally in support of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church took place at the White House, attended by the leader of the youth wing of the Republican Party of the USA and representative of the Society of St. John of Shanghai, Catherine Whiteford. Commenting on the event on her page on X, she emphasized that the participants are not against Ukraine and not for Russia, but in defense of universal principle of religious liberty.
According to her, "millions of Ukrainian Orthodox believers simply wish to worship in peace."
"Standing with them is not geopolitics – it is human dignity. Thank you to every member of this delegation who stood together in unity against blatant smears on our Church and in defense of our brothers and sisters in Ukraine.," wrote Whiteford.
The politician noted that solidarity with the believers of the UOC has no political undertones and is solely related to the protection of human dignity and religious freedoms, which should be respected in any country.
As reported by the UOJ, a U.S. politician voiced demands for the protection of the UOC.
Read also
MinCulture marks centenary of Soviet-era reserve at Lavra's Refectory Church
Representatives of the Ministry of Culture presented awards to the Reserve's employees on the occasion of the anniversary at the Refectory Church of the Lavra.
Conference to mark 1700th anniversary of Christianity adoption held in Georgia
In Georgia, representatives of the Church and the state noted the defining role of Christianity in the country's cultural development.
MP urges to ease pressure on UOC for sake of peace
Oleksii Honcharenko proposed compromises on language, historical memory, and Church issues as part of efforts to achieve peace, saying those who wish to attend the “Russian Church” should be allowed to do so.
Court takes 17th-century church in Staryi Pochaiv from UOC community
A commercial court overturned a 2018 registrar’s decision and stripped the UOC’s Ternopil Eparchy of ownership of the 17th-century church.
Vinnytsia Eparchy honors Bar Icon of the Mother of God
Metropolitan Varsonofiy celebrated the Liturgy at the Bar Convent on the feast day of the wonderworking icon of the Mother of God.
Rada speaker discusses legalization of same-sex marriage in Rivne region
Ruslan Stefanchuk suggested that sponsors of separate bills to legalize same-sex marriage personally make their case to Ukrainians.