Orthodox Christian Delegation Accuses Ukraine of Religious Persecution

A delegation of Orthodox Christian clergy, including members from the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR), visited Capitol Hill this week, where they accused Ukraine of religious persecution. The delegation was welcomed by House Republicans Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.), Eli Crane (R-Ariz.), and Derrick Van Orden (R-Wis.) during an advocacy day. Their claims have sparked controversy, with critics alleging that the clergy are promoting Kremlin narratives to undermine U.S. support for Ukraine.

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The accusations stem from Ukraine's Law 3894, which restricts the activities of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church-Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP) due to allegations of espionage and propaganda. Critics, including Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), argue that the law is a necessary measure against a church that has historical ties to the Kremlin. Grassley stated, “I understand that representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church are on Capitol Hill this week falsely claiming persecution by the Ukrainian government.”

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Catherine Whiteford, co-chair of the Young Republican National Federation and a member of the delegation, defended the clergy's position, asserting that while they support U.S. aid to Ukraine, they also believe that Ukraine is engaging in persecution against the UOC. She emphasized that international human rights agreements prohibit targeting religious bodies based solely on ecclesiastical affiliation. In contrast, Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) condemned the delegation's claims as echoing Kremlin narratives, stating, “representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church are pushing false allegations of religious persecution in Ukraine.”

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The visit has drawn criticism from various quarters, including other Republicans and advocates for Ukraine. Critics argue that the delegation's narrative aligns with Russian propaganda, which seeks to justify the invasion of Ukraine. Steven Pifer, a former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, remarked that Luna has “totally bought Russian propaganda line.” Additionally, George Barros from the Institute for the Study of War described the UOC-MP as “an extension of the Russian state and an instrument of Russian hybrid warfare.”

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While the delegation claims that Ukraine is persecuting the UOC, Ukrainian authorities maintain that many UOC-MP clergy have been charged with espionage or collaboration with Russia. The United Nations and the Vatican have criticized Law 3894 for being an overreach, yet Ukrainian officials argue it is necessary for national security. This discrepancy highlights the complexities surrounding religious freedom and national security in the context of the ongoing conflict.

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• “I understand that representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church are on Capitol Hill this week falsely claiming persecution by the Ukrainian government,” — Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa)

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• “To begin plainly: any suggestion that the Society of Saint John is linked to the Kremlin or the Moscow Patriarchate is not only inaccurate — it is defamatory,” — Catherine Whiteford

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• “I told their lobbyist that when they visited our office. The lobbyist did not like hearing the truth,” — Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.)

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• “Our response to President Zelensky and his government is straightforward: if you do not want Americans to criticize the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, then stop persecuting it.” — Catherine Whiteford

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The situation remains fluid as the U.S. Congress grapples with the implications of these accusations and their potential impact on U.S.-Ukraine relations.

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