The head of the newly formed Orthodox Church of Ukraine called for a
“united state,” on December 16, saying the country needed to take back
control of “occupied” areas in the east. The church leader, Metropolitan
Epiphanius, said unification was needed and that control should be
regained of “occupied Crimea” and “partially occupied Donbas,” a region
controlled by pro-Russia separatists. The election of Metropolitan
Epiphanius as the head of the new church is seen as a step towards it
becoming an independent branch of the Orthodox religion, separate from
Russian leadership. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported that church
leaders hoped to get a “decree of independence” from the Ecumenical
Patriarchate of Constantinople in January. Credit: Radio Free
Europe/Radio Liberty via Storyful
video