Senator calls rally near the Capitol in defense of UOC "Russian propaganda"

Charles Ernest "Chuck" Grassley – U.S. Senator from Iowa. Photo: grassley.senate.gov

On December 16, 2025, U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley made a statement in Congress criticizing the recent pan-Orthodox summit held at the Capitol, which was dedicated to the protection of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, calling the discussion of its persecution "Russian propaganda", reports the UOJ in the USA.

Grassley described the attendees as "representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church," despite the fact that they were drawn from half a dozen jurisdictions, including the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese. Grassley also accused the meeting organizers accused the organizers of "falsely claiming persecution by the Ukrainian Government" on behalf of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

At the same time, the senator did not provide evidence to refute previously recorded and publicly documented cases of pressure on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. As an argument, he referred to the persecution of religious minorities by the Russian Federation in Ukrainian territories under its control, concluding that the Volodymyr Zelensky government is not persecuting the UOC.

The UOJ reached out to Sen. Grassley's press team, asking if it was possible that, in wartime, both sides may violate human rights. There has been no reply as of publication.

Three U.S. Representatives attended the Society of St. John's summit earlier this week: Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ), and Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI). The event was dedicated to discussing the situation of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and issues of religious freedom amid the ongoing conflict.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Orthodox Christians from various countries in Washington expressed support for the UOC.

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