The United States has congratulated Ukraine’s new national Orthodox Church on its autonomy from Russia, a move that has incensed Moscow and further heightened tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
In a statement December 17, the U.S. State Department said it sent its congratulations to the new church’s leader, Metropolitan Epifaniy, calling it “a historic moment for Ukraine.”
“The United States maintains unwavering support for Ukraine and respects the freedom to worship unhindered by outside interference,” State Department spokesman Robert Palladino said in a statement. “The right to religious freedom extends to all Ukrainians, including those choosing to join — or not to …read more
