Archpriest Serhiy: Left occupation only to be arrested by my compatriots
Photo: Archpriest Serhiy in court
Archpriest Serhiy, during the court session, mentioned that it was a great surprise for him to be labeled as a traitor to Ukraine, his lawyer stated in court. He emphasized that he spent six months in occupation but always remained loyal to Ukraine. Despite the presence of Russian troops, he continuously prayed in the church for the return of the territories to Ukraine. According to the priest, evidence of this can be found on his Facebook page. When Father Sergiy arrived in Ukraine, the first thing he did was to help the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU). Among other things, the priest raised funds for military equipment and transport for the soldiers.
The archpriest also stated that the money seized by investigators was intended to be spent on the needs of the AFU. He said that the fact the money did not reach the front lines and that soldiers are not being evacuated from the yellow zone is precisely due to the investigators who seized the funds.
Additionally, Archpriest Serhiy expressed his bewilderment at facing a life sentence for inciting religious hatred, as he has always treated other religions with tolerance.
Previously, the UOJ reported that the court extended the detention of Father Serhiy Chertylin for two months.
Read also
Pat. Bartholomew Arrives in NYC
A patriarchal doxology was held at the St. Nicholas National Shrine early Thursday afternoon, with former Vice President Mike Pence making an appearance.
National Antiochian Orthodox Choir to Perform at Carnegie Hall
Those who wish to join the choir as singers must submit their applications by this Sunday, September 21.
Orthodoxy Grows in West with Baptisms in Chile and Netherlands
Converts were received into the Romanian Orthodox Metropolia of the Americas and the Serbian Orthodox Eparchy of Western Europe, respectively.
Theophilos Greets Kirill After Snubbing Bartholomew
The Patriarch of Jerusalem met with the Patriarch of Moscow during a conference in Kazakhstan. Notably, Theophilos avoided meeting the Patriarch of Constantinple during his recent visit to Istanbul.
Abp. Alexei: How to Pray as a Family
"If a family prays together," His Eminence said, "the household becomes a little tower in that vineyard."
Pat. Bartholomew Honors U.S. Traditions, Greek Heritage in Washington Visit
Bartholomew lays wreath at Arlington, meets with U.S. leaders, and blesses faithful in Virginia.