Orthodox youth of Europe come out in support of DECR UOC deputy head

Orthodox youth in Europe. Photo: screenshot of the DECR UOC's video

"Thanks to the efforts of Father Mykolay, we, as Orthodox youth of the UOC, have the opportunity to unite, communicate, and nurture our faith and culture," said a video published on the DECR UOC's YouTube channel on April 16, 2024. Ukrainian Orthodox youth came out in defense of Archpriest Mykolay Danylevych, rejecting suspicions against him.

The youth are convinced that all accusations are unfounded and express their full support for the priest.

"We know Father Mykolay as a wise pastor and loyal patriot of Ukraine. For many, he is an example of service to people and his homeland," say the young people in the video.

They emphasize that thanks to the efforts of the priest, Ukrainian citizens that were compelled to leave their homeland due to Russian aggression have the opportunity to maintain their faith and community in Ukrainian parishes in Europe.

Orthodox youth have called for prayers for Father Mykolay and hope for a fair consideration of the situation, which will lead to the withdrawal of charges against the clergyman.

"All overseas parishes of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church unite in prayers for peace in Ukraine and support for the military. Material and humanitarian assistance is also being collected for the Armed Forces of Ukraine and internal displaced persons," adds the DECR UOC in a comment to the video.

As reported by the UOJ, on April 12, 2024, employees of the Security Service of Ukraine conducted searches at the deputy head of the UOC Department for External Church Relations, Archpriest Mykolay Danylevych's place of residence. As a result of the searches, Father Mykolay was handed a suspicion of justifying the aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine and promoting "pro-Russian narratives".

The UOC abroad called for an end to the persecution of the DECR UOC deputy head and believers.

The UOJ also published reflections: "The arrest of Father Mykolay Danylevych, or Who does the SBU work for?"

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