OPEN LETTER TO SENATOR VANCE

Honorable Senator Vance,
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I hope this letter finds you well. I carefully followed your speech outlining your reasons for opposing the Ukraine aid bill. While I share your concerns about Congress' spending, I implore you to base your decisions on factual information and genuine conviction rather than a misguided sense of sentimentality, particularly concerning the Russian Orthodox Church and religious freedom in Ukraine. It has come to my attention that there are some misconceptions and conflations regarding the situation in Ukraine, and I believe it is crucial to shed light on these issues.

​​Firstly, it is imperative to understand the concept of sovereign territory as it pertains to the Orthodox Church and not solely sovereign nations, i.e., Ukraine and Russian territory. This understanding is deeply rooted in Orthodox canon law, spanning over seventeen centuries, and transcends modern constitutional interpretations. While acknowledging the significance of our cherished First Amendment rights, it is essential to recognize the unique ecclesial territories within the Orthodox tradition and the false flag efforts of Putin's regime, which includes Patriarch Kirill and his hierarchs.

​Religious freedom is upheld in Ukraine, accommodating various faiths, including Catholics, Jews, Muslims, and Orthodox believers. Acknowledging that ecclesiology and religious freedom can coexist harmoniously is crucial. Therefore, I urge your support in allowing the Ukrainian Orthodox Church to organize itself within its own canonical framework and geographic sovereignty. Ironically, you claim to champion religious freedom while simultaneously insisting on meddling in the internal spiritual affairs of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and the legitimate church’s support of their Ukrainian government.

​To illustrate this point further, consider a hypothetical scenario in which a foreign entity establishes a religious institution within the territory of another nation, akin to Putin establishing a Catholic Church in Italy. Such an endeavor would rightfully be viewed as an intrusion and subject to denouncement by the host nation and the local church. Would objections then be raised about religious freedom, or would the focus rightly shift to sovereignty and national integrity?

​Moreover, we must address the activities of Russian factions within the Orthodox Church in Ukraine. These groups have been manipulated and exploited by external Russian forces, a situation that dates back to Stalin's era. The infiltration of these groups by espionage elements is a matter of grave concern and historical facts. It is important to note that these groups do not represent the true essence of the Orthodox Church and are being used as pawns in Putin’s geopolitical agendas.

​The "church" you are defending under the guise of religious freedom standards is complicit in egregious crimes, including the refusal to bury members of its congregation who have bravely fought against Russian aggression. Furthermore, the mandatory use of the Russian language over the vernacular Ukrainian within these churches and the presence of numerous infiltrated spies among their hierarchy and clergy are undeniable facts that cannot be ignored. These deep scars harken decades of Russian aggression against Ukraine, including the horrific Soviet Holodomor of 1932/33. It is inconceivable that you are unaware of these historical atrocities.

​Additionally, it is crucial to acknowledge that this Russian espionage church extends its reach even into US territory. While this aspect warrants further discussion in future conversations, it underscores the severity of the situation. The entity you are defending is not a legitimate religious institution but rather a tool of the very enemy apparatus that the Ukrainians are fighting against.
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These undeniable truths demand reevaluating the stance taken under the pretext of religious freedom. It is imperative to confront and condemn the actions of this malign entity rather than perpetuate its harmful influence under the guise of tolerance and liberty.

It is worth noting that sanctions imposed by various entities, including PACE, several European nations including the UK, and others, underscore the complicity of the Russian Orthodox Church in supporting Putin's regime, particularly “Patriarch” Kirill of Moscow, who preaches war and promises sins to be forgiven for war against the west. Yes, he openly preaches fratricide from the pulpit. This is not a matter of religious persecution but rather a response to actions that undermine the sovereignty and integrity of nations and churches.

I welcome the opportunity to engage in further discussion or clarify any aspect of this matter. Your understanding and support in addressing these complex issues are greatly appreciated.
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Sincerely,
Elias Damianakis