Leader of New Ukrainian Church Calls for End to 'Occupation' of Crimea and Eastern Ukraine

The head of the newly formed Orthodox Church of Ukraine called for a “united state,” on December 16, saying the country needed to take back control of “occupied” areas in the east.

The church leader, Metropolitan Epiphanius, said unification was needed and that control should be regained of “occupied Crimea” and “partially occupied Donbas,” a region controlled by pro-Russia separatists.

The election of Metropolitan Epiphanius as the head of the new church is seen as a step towards it becoming an independent branch of the Orthodox religion, separate from Russian leadership.

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported that church leaders hoped to get a “decree of independence” from the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople in January. Credit: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty via Storyful