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

Interview with His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas, First Hierarch of ROCOR

The Southern Clergy Retreat and the Growth of Orthodoxy in the South

Christian Orthodox Coalition Calls for Action Amid Syrian Crisis

March 19, 2025 – The Christian Orthodox Coalition in the United States has issued a powerful statement condemning the ongoing persecution of Orthodox Christians in war-torn Syria.

EP Hopes US Visit Will Boost Abp. Elpidophoros' Declining Influence

The National Herald reports that Patriarch Bartholomew will travel to America to seek new connections with Washington and support Archbishop Elpidophoros.

Metropolitan Joan of Korca elected as Primate of the Albanian Orthodox Church

Albanian Orthodox Church Elevates Met. Joan (Pelushi) to Primate After Archbishop Anastasi’s Repose

The 17th Anniversary of the Repose of Met. Laurus (Shkurla), First Hierarch of the ROCOR

Parishes of the Eastern American Diocese (ROCOR) lifted up their prayers in remembrance of the much-loved Vladyka Laurus on the anniversary of his repose.

"The entire family has been massacred in Baniyas, Syria. They were Orthodox Christians. Humanity has failed!"

Social media is telling the stories Corporate Media will not, and people are taking notice.