At the United States Capitol Complex in Washington, D.C., during the international interfaith conference “United in Liberty: The Rise of Spiritual Diplomats,” we had the opportunity to speak with Ukrainian pastor and faith leader Vitaliy Orlov in a timely and deeply personal interview on faith, responsibility, and moral courage in a time of war.
A Co-founder of Ukrainian Week in Washington, D.C. and coordinator of the Prayer Movement “Intercessors for Ukraine,” Vitaliy Orlov brings both spiritual conviction and public service experience to the global stage. Seminary trained and formerly Director of the Missionary Bible School in Kharkiv, where he helped plant 12 churches, he also served as an advisor to a Member of Parliament in Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada. His message is shaped not by theory, but by lived reality.
The interview was made possible with the support of Oleksandr Ilash, a member of the Ukrainian Week in Washington, D.C. committee and Founder and Chairman of the “Share Your Bread with the Hungry One” charity in Ukraine. Oleksandr assisted with interpretation throughout the conversation, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the discussion moved between Ukrainian and English. His leadership in humanitarian service and community outreach continues to strengthen connections between Ukraine and the United States.
Speaking from the heart of America’s democratic institutions, Vitaliy explains why spiritual diplomacy must begin at the foundation level with the values and convictions that shape a nation’s character. When those foundations remain strong, he emphasizes, even the devastation of war cannot destroy a people’s future. Buildings may fall, but faith, truth, and moral responsibility endure.
In this standing interview recorded at the conference, he reflects on the essential role of the church in society not as a force of control, but as a force of service. Rather than retreating from public life, he encourages believers to engage with humility and courage, to speak truth clearly, and to stand alongside leaders in times of crisis. He speaks candidly about Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and the responsibility of faith leaders worldwide to raise their voices in defense of human dignity and freedom.
Mr. Orlov’s perspective offers a powerful reminder that spiritual leadership is not about influence for its own sake. It is about responsibility, integrity, and service rooted in enduring values.
If you care about faith, freedom, leadership, and the future of global cooperation, this interview offers meaningful insight into how spiritual diplomacy can help shape a more principled and compassionate world.
For more information about the conference, visit the official website:
https://interfaithconf.org/
More information on the Spiritual Diplomats initiative:
https://www.spiritualdiplomats.org/
ALLATRA International Public Movement Official Website:
https://allatra.org/
Publication of this material provides an opportunity for open discussion and does not in itself imply institutional endorsement, confirmation, or scientific verification of the views expressed. The material does not constitute an official statement, expert opinion, or professional advice.