Appeals for launch of two monks seized by Russian authorities in Ukraine

The Ukrainian Catholic Archdiocese of Donetsk has referred to as for the discharge of two monks it says had been wrongfully detained by Russian troops.

In keeping with Assist to the Church in Want (ACN), Father Ivan Levitsky, rector of the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary in Berdiansk, and Father Bohdan Geleta, a chaplain on the church, have been accused of terrorism-related offences. 

They’ve been detained since 16 November however the authorities solely introduced that they had taken them into custody every week later.

They’re at present being held at a pre-trial detention centre in Berdiansk, which is located within the south-east of Ukraine.

The archdiocese stated that the church was searched illegally by Russian authorities the day after the arrest of the monks. 

The assertion launched by the archdiocese addressed claims by the Russian authorities that explosives and proof of “subversive” and “partisan” activies had been discovered on the church throughout the search.

The archdiocese stated that the search had been carried out when the monks had been already in custody so they may not be held liable for the gadgets allegedly discovered within the church.

“It is a clear slander and a false accusation,” the archdiocese stated.

The assertion continued, “We demand the speedy launch from custody and imprisonment of our monks … in addition to making certain their unhindered authentic service to the religious wants of the trustworthy … residing within the metropolis of Berdiansk.

“We ask for optimum dissemination of data to be able to launch the captured fathers. We enchantment to the authorities and all folks of goodwill to hitch the reason for the discharge of monks, in addition to for elevated prayer on this intention.”

ACN is asking supporters to hope for the “speedy launch” of the monks.