LAST UPDATE: 19:01
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who is visiting Ukraine, met with Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Ukraine.
The US Secretary visited the spiritual center of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery.
The two men discussed the establishment of the autocephalous Church, the interaction with society and the state, and international relations.
Metropolitan Epifaniy, in a post on social media, thanked the US for its steady support in Ukraine, while stressing that the two men during their discussion “especially emphasized the issue of persecution and systematic restriction of the rights of the clergy and communities of the Orthodox Church in the territories of Donbas.”
Particular attention was paid to the challenges for the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, specifically in the territories temporarily occupied by Russia in the Donbas and the Crimea. Russia, as de facto responsible for the situation in its occupied territories, must adhere to international standards on freedom of religion and creed, in particular, to stop the persecution and systematic restriction of the rights of the clergy and communities of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine.
The primate expressed his gratitude to the American side for the firm and reliable support of Ukraine both in the context of counteracting external challenges that our country continues to encounter, as well as on the path of state formation and democratic reforms.
Metropolitan Epiphaniy called for continuous support and enhanced sanctioning of Russia until complete termination of human rights abuses in the occupied territories, release of them from occupation and restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity, its sovereignty within internationally recognized borders.
Other topics were discussed and further support for bilateral contacts was agreed, especially in the area of protection of freedom of conscience and religion.
In the meeting, the OCU was also represented by the Metropolitan of Lviv Dymytriy (Rudyuk), Head of Donators Board of the Metropolitan’s Foundation of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine – Andriy Matsola, Legal Advisors of His Beatitude – Andriy Romanchuk and Maryan Martynyuk. The USA delegation included: Charge d`Affaires a.i. Kristina Kvien, Acting Assistant Secretary Phillip Reeker, Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus and Senior Advisor Mary Kissel.
After the meeting, the Secretary of State, accompanied by Metropolitan Epiphaniy, visited St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Cathedral.
Приємно знову зустрітися із @SecPompeo вже в Україні, у серці нашої столиці та у духовному центрі Православної Церкви України – Свято-Михайлівському Золотоверхому монастирі. Вдячний американській стороні за надійну підтримку. Сподіваємося на таку ж плідну співпрацю й надалі! pic.twitter.com/G2vGNrkWic
— Митрополит Епіфаній (@Epifaniy) January 31, 2020
Met with Metropolitan Epiphaniy in Kyiv. Impressed by his efforts to ensure the independent Orthodox Church of Ukraine is open to all believers. The U.S. will always champion the right of all people to worship freely. pic.twitter.com/nGsy3Wocbw
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) January 31, 2020
#Russia‘s aggression in #Ukraine has led to the senseless loss of thousands of lives in the Donbas. Today, I joined Foreign Minister @VPrystaiko to honor their memories. Sanctions against Russia will remain in place until the actions that led to these tragic deaths cease. pic.twitter.com/jNigbuDuZ0
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) January 31, 2020