Anger grows over Ukraine's largest Orthodox church, aligned with Moscow despite war

Worshippers loyal to the Moscow-affiliated Orthodox church gather for a protest service outside a monastery in Kyiv. Many believers say they're loyal both to Ukraine and their traditional faith. (Brian Mann/NPR)

KYIV, Ukraine — On a recent autumn afternoon, Ukrainian worshipers with a branch of the Orthodox church long tied to Moscow gathered on a street outside a monastery in Kyiv to sing and pray.

They come here often as an act of protest against a decision issued by Ukrainian authorities earlier this year.