Primate of UOC details the release of "cyborg" Taras Kolodiy

December 19, at a briefing on the release of "cyborg" Taras Kolodiy His Beatitude Metropolitan Onufriy of Kiev and All Ukraine spoke about the role of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church in his liberation.

"Our Church addressed the question of Taras Kolodiy’s release very seriously, for some time. I wrote an appeal, had a meeting with His Holiness Patriarch Kirill and requested him to apply to the relevant authorities that are related to the retention of Taras in captivity so that they would let him go because he is our countryman," said His Beatitude.

"I haven’t met Taras before – I knew his friends. Sergey Biloshitsky, Taras’s commander asked us to help with his release, and we did it with pleasure. When a person is in trouble, the Church does not ask a man what faith he practices, the Church is trying to help the man. It is our sacred duty and we did everything to free Taras," said the Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

Metropolitan Onufriy highlighted the active involvement of Patriarch Kirill in the process of liberation. "He personally appealed to all authorities. Much effort was devoted to be heard by all and ensure the release of this man," said His Beatitude.

As reported by the UOJ, the clergy of the UOC helped release the captured "cyborg" Taras Kolodiy.

Read also

Elder Gabriel: US pressured Patriarch Bartholomew to intervene in UOC affairs

The Swiss schema-archimandrite revealed details of what he says was external pressure on the Ecumenical Patriarch’s decisions.

Romanian Patriarch discusses situation in Ukraine with U.S. State Dept ambassador

Patriarch Daniel reminded State Department representatives of Romania’s efforts to welcome and assist large numbers of Ukrainian refugees.

Swiss elder: Murdered Sviatohirsk Lavra monk should be glorified as martyr

Schema-Archimandrite Gabriel (Bunge) said Monk Varsonofy’s death was a true act of martyrdom for the faith.

“Flexibility and friendship”: Pope approves note on interreligious dialogue

The new Holy See document calls for replacing hostility in interreligious relations with greater engagement and cooperation with people of other faiths.

Ostapenko reports 18 judicial recusals in 3-year Lavra case

The reserve’s director reported 18 judicial recusals over three years of proceedings concerning the termination of the lease agreement with the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra and criticized the work of the judicial system.

Patriarch Bartholomew gets UK honorary degree for environmental advocacy

The University of Chichester awarded the Patriarch of Constantinople an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree for his contributions to environmental advocacy and inter-Christian dialogue.