Ukrainian Orthodox leaders have agreed on the creation of a new national Orthodox church and elected a leader to head that church, a move that Ukraine’s leaders say is vital to the country’s security and independence but could raise tensions further with Moscow.
RFE/RL: Ukraine announces creation of independent church, selects leader
Ukrainian believers attend a public prayer at the front of Saint Sophia's Cathedral as church council convenes in order to create the independent Ukrainian Orthodox church in Kyiv, on Dec. 15.
