Delegation of Orthodox clergy to discuss UOC persecution in the US amid opposition from US congressmen

A delegation of Orthodox clergy intends to meet with representatives of the White House and the US State Department to discuss the oppression of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) by the Ukrainian authorities. This initiative has already faced active opposition from a number of U.S. politicians who accuse the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad (ROCOR) of trying to expand its political influence and threatening U.S. national security.

According to The Hill, the meetings are scheduled for Tuesday, November 18. According to the publication, the clergy representatives will hold talks with staff at the White House Office of Religious Affairs and at the State Department. The purpose of the visit is to «raise awareness of Kiev’s religious persecution of Orthodox Christians» and discuss «escalating violations of religious freedom.»

The visit has provoked a sharp reaction from US lobbyists for the Kiev regime. A number of Republican congressmen, including Joe Wilson, have reportedly asked U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to intervene. The draft letter, which quotes a source, states, «It has come to my attention that the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad (ROCOR) is actively seeking to expand its political influence in the United States, including through an event allegedly scheduled for November 18, 2025.»

Congressman Wilson alleges that ROCOR and other jurisdictions of the Russian Orthodox Church may serve as «tools for intelligence gathering or influence operations.» At the same time, the source notes that no specific facts supporting these allegations are given, while the theses themselves repeat the statements of Ukrainian propaganda. As an additional touch, it is reported that in August this year Congressman Wilson was awarded by Volodymyr Zelenskyy with the Order of Ivan Mazepa, a hetman anathematized by the church for treason.

We shall remind you that earlier representatives of young Republicans in the USA expressed serious concern about the actions of the Ukrainian authorities with regard to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The co-chair of the Federation of Young Republicans of the USA, Catherine Whiteford, and the New York Club of Young Republicans called for attention to the situation, emphasizing the importance of protecting religious freedom.