Father Serhiy: I'm judged for being a UOC priest and to intimidate others
Archpriest Serhiy Chertylin in court on May 8, 2024. Photo: screenshot from the video t.me/save_Lavra
In his speech in court on May 8, Archpriest of the UOC Serhiy Chertylin stated that during his two months in pre-trial detention, he realized: "I am not being judged for my activities, but for being a priest of a certain confession."
Archpriest Serhiy, once again responding to the prosecutor's accusations, explained that he is not a leader or coordinator of Myrinay, KozakTv1 or UOJ. He believes that he is simply being judged for being a priest of the UOC.
Also, he suspects that the purpose of his detention is to intimidate believers ahead of the possible adoption of bill No. 8371 banning the UOC.
"Madam prosecutor admitted that the reason I am here is the adoption of bill 8371. They need to exclude some people to intimidate others... those who go to churches. To show: 'Look, if you don't obey us, you can easily be accused of treason... and you'll spend your life in prison,'" Father Serhiy said.
As the UOJ reported, the lawyer for Fr. Serhiy Chertylin provided details of the court proceedings.
Also, the court again sent the UOJ journalists back to pre-trial detention.
Read also
Petition Warns Canada’s Hate Speech Law Could Criminalize Scripture
Thousands of Canadians have signed a petition urging the Liberal government to drop proposed hate-speech changes that critics warn could criminalize quoting the Bible and other religious texts.
JD Vance: Criticizing Israel Is Not Antisemitism
Vice President JD Vance said opposing Israeli policies is not the same as antisemitism, sparking debate over where criticism of Israel ends and hatred of Jews begins.
First Orthodox Prayer Book Published in Indonesian Language
The first Orthodox prayer book in Indonesian has been published and presented in Bekasi, providing local faithful and new converts with a vital resource for prayer and liturgical life.
OCA Joins Legal Challenge to Illinois Abortion Referral Law
Amicus brief argues mandate violates religious freedom and compels pro-life providers to contradict their faith.
EXCLUSIVE: Leaked Ukrainian Memo Says Religious Freedom is ‘Achilles Heel’
In an emergency strategy meeting held in response to the Society of St. John's Day of Action, D.C.-based Ukrainian lobbyists acknowledged the weight of the religious freedom issue as it pertains to the Ukrainian government’s public perception.
Historic $2.9 Million Bequest Strengthens Greek Orthodox Foundation
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Foundation has received a record $2.9 million bequest from the late Andy Efthim, a devoted layman whose faith-filled generosity will support the Church’s mission for generations.