ISTANBUL—Orthodox Christianity’s foremost leader presented Ukraine’s new church with a decree of independence, ignoring Russian claims that its church has sole authority there and handing Ukraine a victory in its attempts to diminish Russia’s influence. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I granted the document to Metropolitan Epifaniy, who was elected leader of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine last month, during a liturgy at the St. George Cathedral here Sunday. Bartholomew’s office confirmed in October that he was planning to...

Source: Wall Street Journal January 06, 2019 17:48 UTC