Mothers and wives of military captives ask UOC Primate for help (VIDEO)

On April 12 His Beatitude Metropolitan of Kiev and all Ukraine Onuphry received at his residence wives, fathers and mothers from all corners of Ukraine, whose sons were taken captive over the hostilities period in the east of Ukraine. According to the UOJ correspondent, more than 20 women and men turned to the Metropolitan in a hope that their sons, husbands and brothers will return home.

“The Church has become the only place for us where we should not line up and where we are always welcome and heard,” said Yekaterina Khomiak, whose two sons are missed in action at this war.

Relatives requested His Beatitude to help them find their near ones, to transfer a parcel or a letter via the priests who are based beyond the other line of battle.

“I realize the upcoming holiday sings small due to your concerns and commotion about your children, your captive sons and husbands,” said the Metropolitan to the bereft. “But we will pray to God so that He would help them and set them free and return to the native land. As a Church we do everything possible about it. We asked to free at least some of them on the occasion of Easter. They promised something… Therefore, we have to keep praying. This is the first and main thing. God will always be with us and nobody will be able to inflict damage on us. At the same time we are going to do what we are supposed to – release our captives”.

Since the ATO began, the UOC clergy have managed to free from captivity nearly 20 military servicemen.




Read also

Governor of Mount Athos invites President Trump to Holy Mountain

The Greek official expressed confidence that Donald Trump, who has shown interest in Orthodoxy, will visit Mount Athos during his trip to Greece.

Pat. Bartholomew: Tradition Is 'Not Conservative but Creative'

The EP then praised Vatican II and its architects, including French theologians Henri de LYves Congar. 

Trisagion Service Held for 107th Anniversary of Fr. Nicola Yanney’s Repose

The “Apostle to the Plains” has a strong case for canonization and is venerated by an ever-growing number of Orthodox Christians.

Eastern Christian Leaders Gather at St. John the Baptist Monastery in U.K.

Bishops and clergy from Orthodox, Eastern Catholic, and Oriental Churches discuss shared concerns and unity in witness across the United Kingdom.

U.S. State Department's Michael Rigas Visits Mount Athos Ahead of Energy Conference

Greek-American official with Orthodox roots spends 24 hours on the Holy Mountain before joining Ambassador Guilfoyle in Athens.

Kimberly Guilfoyle Expresses Desire to Learn More About Greek Orthodoxy

New U.S. Ambassador to Greece expresses admiration for Greek Orthodoxy and commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.