“While They Tore Down the Altars”
- Mark Johnson
- May 28
- 4 min read
A Rebuke to the American Church in Light of the Persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church
In an explosive interview with Tucker Carlson with a Senior Deacon of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), a number of grave allegations were made regarding the Ukrainian government’s treatment of the UOC under President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The Deacon accused the Ukrainian state of launching a campaign of systematic persecution against the largest Christian denomination in Ukraine. Key points include:
• The seizure of churches by military force, including the physical removal and abuse of priests, women, children, and the elderly.
• The creation of false criminal cases against archbishops and clergy.
• The passage of a law which effectively bans the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
• A political regime described as a dictatorship, marked by the suspension of the constitution, monopolization of speech, and forced mobilization of civilians.
• Allegations that the war could have been avoided through the Minsk Agreements and that Zelenskyy acted knowingly in ways that provoked conflict.
• Assertions that Zelensky is no longer a legitimately elected leader, and that peace is currently impossible due to the political interests of those profiting from war.
• A plea for Christian leaders in the West to recognize and speak out against the suppression of the UOC.
“Unfortunately, our government led by Zelensky has opened up a campaign of persecution and depression against the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, the largest church in Ukraine, the largest denomination of Christians in Ukraine.”
The Church in Chains—and the West Watches
Across the Atlantic, churches are being seized at gunpoint. Priests are being dragged from sanctuaries. Women and children are beaten. Parishioners are imprisoned. And yet, the American Church—once a global vanguard of missions, advocacy, and religious liberty—has said virtually nothing.
“Our archbishops are subjected to persecution. There are completely false criminal cases opened up against them. Our parishioners beaten. Our churches taken away.”
The Senior Deacon’s words cut with prophetic force. This is not merely a theological debate. It is a cry of anguish from a suffering branch of the Body of Christ. And the silence of Western Christians has become a damning indictment.
The Idol of Political Convenience
Many American Christians have elevated political tribalism above the Gospel. Because the Ukrainian state is presented as a strategic ally of the West, we are unwilling to question its actions—even when it turns against the Church.
“As you know in parliament, a law has been passed which actually in fact bans the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.”
“Soldiers with machine guns… throw out priests, beat believers, children, old people, women.”
Where are the voices from our pulpits? Our influencers? Our Christian universities?
We mobilize when our religious liberties are threatened domestically, but where is our zeal when the same liberties are crushed abroad—especially when they are crushed by a government we fund and defend?
The Church and the Sword
The Ukrainian state has, according to the Deacon, erased its constitutional checks and consolidated power in the name of war. But no emergency justifies tyranny—least of all when it turns against the Bride of Christ.
“As the president said, the constitution has been put on pause… these are indicators that currently there is a dictatorship.”
“Freedom of speech is restricted… the president and his administration have fully monopolized the right to freedom of speech.”
And yet we, the American Church, repeat the narrative of democracy and righteousness without scrutiny. We have mistaken patriotism for discernment.
Christ Is Not a Nationalist
The persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church reveals something deeper: a fracture in Christian solidarity. The American Church often cares only for those who share its style, language, and politics. But Christ is not American. Nor is He Western.
If we believe in a universal Body of Christ, then our silence amid the abuse of Ukrainian believers is a betrayal of the Cross.
“The church will not be defeated. A true canonical church will not be defeated. The head of the church is Christ, and consequences will be bad for those who oppose Him.”
A Call to Repentance and Intercession
Let this be a warning and a call:
• To the pastors: Preach not only against sin in culture, but also against injustice toward the Church globally.
• To the congregants: Reject narratives that favor power over truth. Learn what your nation funds.
• To Christian leaders in Washington: Do not bless oppression with your silence. Your tax dollars are arming those accused of desecrating sanctuaries.
“Why are you sending money to destroy the largest Christian denomination in Ukraine?”
If we do not speak when altars are desecrated and children of God are brutalized, we cannot claim the name of Christ with integrity.
Final Exhortation: The Watchman’s Warning
The prophet Ezekiel was told:
“If the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet… his blood I will require at the watchman’s hand.” (Ezekiel 33:6)
The sword has fallen on our brothers and sisters. And we have not blown the trumpet.
May the Church in America repent. May we recover the courage to speak. May we once again be counted faithful.
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