Reflections on My Trip to Washington, DC

The Ukrainian state’s persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) has caused much sorrow among our congregation, as has of course, the war itself.

Last month, a small delegation of clergy from four Orthodox [jurisdictions] in the United States went to our nation’s capital to advocate for our persecuted brothers and sisters. The meetings were productive. Unfortunately, a congressman, Joe Wilson (SC-2), slandered the Orthodox Church with the goal of silencing us.

Originally, I was unsure if I was going to participate in The Society of St. John’s “Legislative Day of Action,” but with the words of Mr. Wilson and other voices of slander it made it impossible for me not to go. I recalled a sign I saw during a BLM protest, “Silence is Violence,” so after Congressman Wilson’s tweets of slander, I registered and purchased a ticket on my own expense to go to Washington.

Truth be told, I felt anxious during the train ride. I read on social media that the Ukrainian lobby would organize a protest, and I knew how they will distort this visit and how the slander will appear on social media. I thought to myself, “Do I really need this?” Upon arriving at Union Station, I took a taxi to the hotel. When the car passed the capital building, I became overwhelmed with emotion. I grew up with films such as “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” and was raised with love for our country. I thought, “This is it! This is my government! This is our democracy!” I realized again that I came to Washington not for myself, but to advocate for the persecuted Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Her clergy and faithful!

Around 200 people from all over the United States and from numerous Orthodox jurisdictions representing the vast majority of Orthodox in the United States gathered to meet with our representatives.

Three things we wanted: help repeal Ukraine’s Law 3894 that bans the existence of the UOC, demand the release of Metropolitan Arseny [of Svyatogorsk] and other imprisoned clergy, and end impressment of clergy for armed combat

In short, uphold basic human rights as called for by numerous international human rights organizations, the values of the United States, and the Geneva Convention. That’s all we were asking.

Tuesday morning, I did not know what to expect. My group had five people led by Priest Christopher Johnson [co-rector of Holy Apostles Church in Beltsville, MD], a US military veteran from Maryland, and three laymen, including our parishioner Dasha. I thought there would be long lines to enter the Capitol office building, we would be asked many questions, and that one cannot just go to a congressional office. Perhaps we would be met with protestors shouting at us. None of this happened. Anyone can enter these buildings with ease and go right to the congressional offices and speak with their representative or a staff member.

At one point, we were standing around in the Rayborn Building figuring out which direction to go. An Air Force guard — in full uniform — was standing in front of the entrance of a room. The guard looked at our group, looked at me and went straight up to me. He took off his cap, did a proper bow placing his hands together and said “Father, bless me.” I gave him a blessing, and he went back to the entrance.

Our group had five meetings that lasted for about 30 minutes each. Three of the meetings were particularly encouraging. In one case, a staff member told us she knew nothing of the topic and did research before we came. All listened intently to what we were saying, took notes, and asked excellent follow-up questions. None knew anything about Law 3894 and what it does, nor about the unlawful imprisonment of Metropolitan Arseny, nor about the illegal practice of impressment UOC clergy in combat roles. Nor were they aware of how ultra-national groups in Ukraine storm churches, teargas believers during services, and on numerous documented occasions beat up UOC clergy and faithful.

One staff member said honestly that they will not make public statements on this because it could hurt their support for Ukraine, but promised that they will definitely follow up, work towards helping the UOC behind the scenes, and track this. That is all we were asking. We left each office a one-page report. They can verify all facts and see the videos for themselves.

One visit was with Walter Gonzales, the Deputy Chief of Staff and Director Legislative for Congressman Glenn Ivey (MD-4), Fr. Christopher’s local representative. At the conclusion of our meeting, Mr. Gonzales told me personally that they have to deal with thousands of issues and that they don’t know everything, so it is important that constituents like us come to Washington, meet with our representatives, and inform them. He thanked us for doing this.

Every congressional office — 535 of them — was open for constituents to meet with their representatives. Well, all but one. Congressman Joe Wilson’s doors were locked with a sign: “Meetings only by appointment.” His constituent who came from South Carolina would not be heard.

Our last meeting was in the Hart Building. We had a long walk from one end of the Capitol Building to the other. Finally, I had time for reflection. I had stood on the Capitol steps with a House representative, bishops from three Churches, and 200 clergy and faithful from the Greek, Serbian, OCA, Antiochian, and ROCOR Churches. Our meetings turned out better than I had expected and contacts were made.

Our democracy can work if we take action. I almost started crossing myself as I passed the Capitol, then remembered that no, this is not St. Isaac’s Cathedral. We got to the other side and noticed a Capitol police officer telling two tourists that they had to move. As we got closer, I saw they were video recording us. They were not tourists.

When we passed them, one shouted “Slava Ukraini(Glory to Ukraine)!” We understood why they were video recording us and how the video was going to be misused. At that point, I no longer cared. Fr. Christopher responded, “Slava Ukraini indeed.” I just smiled, waved, and said to myself, “God bless America.”