US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo met today with Metropolitan Epiphanius of Kiev and All Ukraine, Primate of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Ukraine.
According to the press release of the US Department of State, Secretary Pompeo congratulated Metropolitan Epiphanius on his receipt of the Athenagoras Human Rights Award for his defence of all Ukrainians’ ability to worship in accordance with their faith, free from external interference.
The Secretary and the Metropolitan shared their concerns about abuses against religious freedom in Russia-occupied Crimea and Russia-controlled parts of the Donbas.
They expressed their hopes for a diplomatic resolution to the Russia-instigated conflict in eastern Ukraine, now in its sixth year, underscoring the need to heal the wounds of war and foster unity.
Source: US Department of State
