Zelensky: Russia killed our priests for refusing to serve Kirill
Volodymyr Zelensky. Photo: Screenshot from the CBN YouTube Channel
In an interview with the American channel CBN, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russia intentionally destroyed Ukrainian churches and tortured and executed priests for refusing to serve Patriarch Kirill.
According to Zelensky, the Russian army "destroyed schools and churches everywhere on Ukrainian territory, simply to leave no trace behind."
He claimed that Russia killed 50 priests and destroyed 700 churches. Moreover, he noted that the priests "were killed in various ways."
"There is clear evidence of how they tortured them," Zelensky said. "Why were they tortured? Simply because they were supposed to serve Kirill, the Patriarch of Moscow, and his Church."
"These priests just refused. And for that, they were executed. They simply tried to break people, but they couldn’t break the spirit of certain individuals, so they just killed 50 priests," the President stated, without specifying the denomination of the murdered clergy.
He is also convinced that the Russian army deliberately destroyed churches in Ukrainian territory.
"What did they gain by destroying about 700 churches? They attacked them with bombs and missiles. Wherever they entered our state’s territory, they simply destroyed and burned these churches. What did they gain from that?" Zelensky asked his interviewer.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that, according to statistics from the portal "Christians Against War", as of mid-2024, 30 priests of the UOC had been killed in the fighting, and 5 more were missing.
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.