Serbian Dean Condemns Rep. Joe Wilson’s Remarks on Orthodox 'Foreign Influence'
Fr. Vasilije Vranic criticizes Wilson and The Hill for “shocking ignorance” and “flagrant falsehoods” regarding Orthodox clergy and human-rights abuses in Ukraine.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Protopresbyter Vasilije Vranic — priest at St. Luke Serbian Orthodox Church in the nation's capital and Dean of the Washington Deanery under His Grace Bishop Irinej — has spoken out about yesterday's comments made by U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson in which he said Orthodox Christians in America "could serve as vehicles" of foreign influence. He also commented on an article published by The Hill which said Orthodoxy clergy with "ties to the pro-war Russian Orthodox Church" were meeting with the White House.
In a statement to the Union of Orthodox Journalists of America (UOJ-USA), Fr. Vasilije said America should be very concerned when a congressman serving on the Foreign Relations Committee exhibits "such shocking ignorance about egregious violations of human rights and religious freedom in Ukraine," as well as when a "supposedly reputable news outlet, which The Hill purports to be, is publishing flagrant falsehoods."
"I am very concerned about the future of our country if this continues without repercussions," he said.
Previously, UOJ reported that bishops, priests, monastics, and laity of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR), Orthodox Church in America (OCA), Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of North America, Serbian Orthodox Church, and Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America met with U.S. Rep Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) today to discuss the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC).
