U.S. Congresswoman appeals to Vatican over UOC persecution
Anna Paulina Luna. Photo: rtvi.us
On January 9, 2026, U.S. Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna announced that she had appealed to the Vatican regarding the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Ukraine, emphasizing the inadmissibility of financing such actions at the expense of American taxpayers. She wrote about this on social network X.
According to Luna, the reason for the appeal was information received from representatives of the UOC, as well as from members of the Ukrainian government. "In addition to the State Department, I will be reaching out to the Vatican tomorrow morning in response to the information that I’ve received in the last 24 hours from Ukrainian Orthodox members, as well as members of their own government, regarding the persecution of Ukrainian Orthodox Christians," she stated.
The Congresswoman emphasized that the US should not support authorities involved in the persecution of believers. "American tax dollars should not be going to a government that is responsible for persecuting and obstructing Christians trying to worship God," Luna wrote.
She also pointed to the Vatican's responsibility for informing the international community about the persecution of Christians, noting that such persecution in Ukraine is systematic and documented.
She added that she expects a reaction from the Holy See and intends to make public its position, noting that such actions should be condemned regardless of confessional affiliation.
Earlier, the UOJ wrote that the Congresswoman took control of a possible seizure attempt in Kuzmyn.
Read also
Ostapenko reports 18 judicial recusals in 3-year Lavra case
The reserve’s director reported 18 judicial recusals over three years of proceedings concerning the termination of the lease agreement with the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra and criticized the work of the judicial system.
Patriarch Bartholomew gets UK honorary degree for environmental advocacy
The University of Chichester awarded the Patriarch of Constantinople an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree for his contributions to environmental advocacy and inter-Christian dialogue.
Met. Anthony urges believers to make prostrations for UOC persecutors
The UOC Chancellor appealed to the faithful to pray for the softening of the hearts of the Church's opponents.
Two UOC eparchies deliver aid to disabled children
The Poltava and Kamianske eparchies have collected gifts, clothing, and food to aid children.
OIDAC report mentions murder of Sviatohirsk Lavra monk
Human rights defenders linked the attack on the Sviatohirsk Lavra to years of pressure on the UOC.
Helmiaziv church taken from UOC parish by court order
The court granted the prosecutors' claim and annulled the registration of ownership of the 185-year-old church in the village of Helmyaziv.