The event will be held at St. Sophia's Cathedral / Photo from athos-ukraine.com

The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv has issued a demonstration alert over a vote regarding autocephaly for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church on December 15.

"On Saturday, December 15, a vote regarding autocephaly for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church will take place at the St. Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv (Volodymyrska St., 24). Large crowds are expected in the area. Crowds and protests are also expected at other religious sites throughout the country," the Embassy said on its website.

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U.S. diplomats advise the following actions to take: avoid crowds and demonstrations; expect heavier than normal police presence; expect street closures, restrictions, and searches.

They also advise that U.S. citizens to be aware of your surroundings; follow local law enforcement instructions, and monitor local media for updates.

As UNIAN reported earlier, the unification council will be held at Kyiv's St. Sophia Cathedral on December 15 to announce the creation of the new local Orthodox Church, approve its charter, and elect its leader.