Primate of ROC helps agree on the exchange of prisoners in Ukraine

On December 25, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia told reporters that Kiev and the self-proclaimed republics of the DPR and the LPR had agreed on the upcoming process of exchanging prisoners of war. The exchange will take place on December 27, reports the TASS.

The Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church stressed that the list did not include all those who are in captivity and expressed hope for the continuation of the dialogue.

"I hope that the exchange of prisoners that will take place will start this process, because not all those who are still in captivity for a while are included in the lists," said Patriarch Kirill. "And I sincerely hope that this first stage will continue with further efforts to release all those in prison."

On November 15, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, at the request of His Beatitude Metropolitan Onufry of Kiev and All Ukraine, asked the leadership of the Russian Federation to help in the release of prisoners of war. The Security Service of Ukraine reported that it welcomed the efforts of the Primate of the ROC in the liberation of prisoners.

Read also

Fr. Peter Heers Received into Romanian Metropolia

Prior to his reception into the Romanian patriarchate, Heers had been a clergyman of the Church of Greece.

Head of St. George to Be Brought to Romania for Pantocrator Monastery Feast

Pantocrator Monastery will host the head of St. George from Mt. Athos during its April 2026 feast celebrations, continuing a major national pilgrimage tradition.

Patr. Kirill Congratulates Patr. John X on Enthronement Anniversary

Patr. Kirill congratulated Patr. John X on his enthronement anniversary, praising his pastoral ministry and offering prayerful wishes.

Patr. Theophilos Calls on Diplomats to Defend Christians in the Holy Land

Patr. Theophilos III urged diplomats in Jerusalem to protect Christians’ rights, ensure humanitarian aid, and uphold freedom of worship in the Holy Land.

Arvo Pärt’s Music Tops Global Charts With Five Works in World’s Top Ten

Arvo Pärt’s Orthodox-inspired compositions dominate international concert halls, with five works ranked among the world’s most performed contemporary pieces.

UOC Church in Kuzmin Forcibly Seized Amid Illegal Re-Registration

Unidentified individuals and state registrars forcibly seized and illegally re-registered a UOC church in Kuzmin, prompting legal action and a criminal complaint.