OSCE concerned about frequent thefts in UOC churches

The OSCE special monitoring mission headed by Aram Harutyunyan visited the church of St. Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessaloniki in Odessa, which was robbed and desecrated on the night of April 23, reports the press service of the Odesa diocese.

"Members of the OSCE special monitoring mission expressed concern over the current criminal situation and hope for the subsequent effective prompt response of the police to the offences, with their subsequent disclosure and punishment of criminals," the report said.

Representatives of the OSCE mission also expressed concern about the growing number of robberies in UOC churches. International observers noted that the churches are engaged in volunteer activities, they help residents of front-line regions and internally deported persons, as well as the needy of Odessa, with food and basic necessities.

"Local authorities must help them in this, protecting them from criminal attacks," believe SMM officials.