Abp. Clement details UOC participation in the exchange of hostages

Archbishop Clement (Vecheria) of Nezhin and Priluki said that the UOC, taking the most active part in the exchange of hostages, distances itself from the political component of this process. Vladyka expressed this opinion in the commentary to the "UNIAN-Religion".

"Our words in these negotiations are a call for mercy," explained Archbishop Clement. "The exchange of hostages usually becomes possible with a certain confidence of one side in the other. There is no such trust between politicians. Therefore, the Orthodox Church, acting as an intermediary in the negotiations on the release, distances itself as far as possible from any political factors of this process."

Vladyka recalled that the UOC had already participated in the release of Ukrainian prisoners of war. In 2015, thanks to the intercession of the Church, it was possible to release the defender of the Donetsk airport Taras Kolodiy from captivity.

"And now we have a chance to return home from captivity 74 Ukrainian soldiers," said Archbishop Clement. "We pray that everything planned is done, and the guys could meet the Christmas holidays at home, thanking God for this release."

The exchange is to take place on December, 27 under the formula "74/306".

Vladyka recalled that the wives and mothers of Ukrainian prisoners of war have repeatedly visited His Beatitude Metropolitan Onufry all these years. The Primate of the UOC is doing everything possible to release the hostages. At his request, Patriarch Kirill took an active part in the process.