Metropolitan of UOC in Volyn appeals to SBU and police over persecution of clergy and abduction of a clergyman

Metropolitan Volodymyr of Volodymyr-Volyn and Kovel, who heads the Volodymyr-Volyn Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), made an emergency appeal to the leadership of the Security Service of Ukraine and the National Police of Ukraine in Volyn region. In his statement, the hierarch expressed deep concern and pain over the increasing pressure on the clergy and faithful of the diocese, and also reported on the facts of the detention of clergy and the recent attack with the abduction of a clergyman.

As follows from Metropolitan Volodymyr ‘s address, the situation in the territory of the Volodymyr-Volyn Eparchy has gone beyond the legal framework and Christian morality. In addition to massive cases of forced detention of citizens, there is direct pressure on the clergy and church members, which, according to him, borders on criminal activity.

Metropolitan Volodymyr pointed to the facts of detention of the clergy of the diocese, and some of them stopped contacting after such “measures” and their fate remains unknown. The hierarch expressed particular indignation over the incident that occurred on January 14. On that day, the sexton of the Holy Dormition Cathedral was cynically beaten and abducted near his home by unknown persons who introduced themselves as law enforcement officers. The Metropolitan called it an “atrocity” against a peaceful man who had dedicated his life to serving God, and a challenge to the entire society.

In his statement, Metropolitan Volodymyr emphasized that the Church has always been and remains with its people, but cannot remain silent when its faithful are beaten and kidnapped in broad daylight. He stated that the ongoing lawlessness is destroying the foundation of Ukraine’s statehood and gives the enemy grounds to accuse the country of violating religious freedoms.

Concluding his address, Metropolitan Volodymyr called on law enforcement officials to act in accordance with their oath to the Ukrainian people and expressed hope for immediate intervention and restoration of justice.

Earlier, we reported that the complex of buildings of the Holy Dormition Cathedral of the Volodymyr-Volyn Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the city of Volodymyr, which was previously taken away from the UOC by the state, was officially transferred to the balance sheet of the OCU.