Orthodox Church Row Threatens US Aid to Ukraine
Voice of America
FILE - The Monastery of the Caves, also known as Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, one of the holiest sites of Eastern Orthodox Christians, is seen on March 23, 2023, in Kyiv, Ukraine. FILE - Hundreds of believers attend a church service on the Feast of the Intercession of the Virgin Mary in the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra monastery, which is the headquarter of Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Moscow Patriarchy in Kiev on Oct. 14, 2018. FILE - People light candles in a church to mark the Orthodox Christmas in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra church in Kiev, Ukraine, Jan. 6, 2012. Faithful of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which is accused of maintaining links with Russia, pray outside the historic monastery Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra on July 4, 2023.
Pending legislation in Ukraine aimed at preventing the Ukrainian Orthodox Church from becoming a conduit for Russian influence is attracting attention in the United States and is being used by some U.S. conservatives to paint Ukraine as hostile to religious freedom.
Albin Kurti, president of the left-wing Vetevendosje! party, makes statements following results of a parliamentary election, in Pristina, Kosovo, Feb. 9, 2025. Supporters of left-wing Vetevendosje! party celebrate following results of a parliamentary election, in Pristina, Kosovo, Feb. 9, 2025.
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