Anger grows over Ukraine's largest Orthodox church, still aligned with Moscow despite war
Millions of Ukrainians still worship in Orthodox churches deeply influenced by Russian clergy who support Moscow's invasion, sparking a clash of faith and national loyalty.
KYIV, Ukraine — On a recent autumn afternoon, Ukrainian worshipers with a branch of the Orthodox church long tied to Moscow gathered on a street outside the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra to sing and pray.
They come here often as an act of protest against a decision issued by Ukrainian authorities earlier this year.
Government officials effectively banished clergy loyal to the Moscow patriarch from the most sacred parts of the gold-domed monastery complex.
"Our monks lived here from ancient times," said Metropolitan Clement, bristling with anger. "Access is closed now to clergymen and to many believers who could come to to pray here even in Soviet times."
Clement is spokesman for the largest
