On July 3, 2025, Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine received Mantas Adomėnas, Secretary General of the Community of Democracies, at his residence.
At the beginning of the meeting, Adomėnas introduced the Metropoliran to the work of the Community of Democracies as an intergovernmental coalition of states that brings together governments, civil society, and the private sector to strengthen democratic institutions and protect fundamental freedoms and human rights around the world.
The parties then discussed the current religious situation in Ukraine and Lithuania, especially in the context of safeguarding freedom of religion and countering its abuse by the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC), which, under the guise of religious rhetoric, facilitates support for Russian aggression.
Metropolitan Epifaniy emphasized that Ukraine, despite the war and its challenges, guarantees real religious freedom, as confirmed by the stance of the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations.
At the same time, the Moscow Patriarchate in Ukraine is attempting to project a distorted narrative of alleged “persecution” due to its unwillingness to fully sever ties with the ecclesiastical structure of the aggressor state, which entirely serves the criminal interests of the Kremlin and describes the attack on Ukraine as a “holy war.”
In this context, the parties discussed the importance of countering disinformation and the politicization of history as threats to the development of free societies. They also highlighted the true role of the Church in providing spiritual and moral support to the people during wartime and defined freedom of religion as an integral component of democracy.
“Russian aggression must be stopped in Ukraine through joint efforts. If this is not done, it will lead to further conflicts in Europe and the world. Moreover, the voice of truth must always be heard, and as a Church, we are doing everything we can to protect it. Our struggle for freedom, dignity, and democracy is not only Ukraine’s struggle—it is a battle of global significance. When Ukraine wins, justice will win as well,” emphasized the Primate of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Ukraine.
At the end of the meeting, the Metropolitan thanked Adomėnas and the Community of Democracies for supporting Ukraine and wished them divine help in promoting freedom, justice, and democracy around the world.
Source: pomisna
