OSCE reps discuss circumstances of arson of the temple in vlg. Zeleny Yar

Representatives of the OSCE and the Ascension diocese discussed the circumstances of the arson of the UOC temple in Domanevka district

On February 20, 2019, Protopriest Mikhail Kiriak, secretary of Voznesensk diocese, met with representatives of the OSCE in St. Elias temple in the village of Zeleny Yar, Domanevka district, Nikolaev region, reports the UOC Information and Education Center.

Rector of the temple Protorpriest Ioann Mimko and the chairman of the village council also took part In the discussion of the situation around the arson of the temple and other church issues.

Recall that on the night of February 9-10, there was committed an arson attack on the UOC temple of St. Martyr Elias in the village of Zeleny Yar, Domanevka district. The window was broken in the temple and an incendiary bottle was thrown inside. Before setting fire to the temple, the attackers cut off the power supply, which is why the alarm system and video camera did not go off. Firefighters and police arrived at the scene and confirmed the act of arson.

On February 22, 2019, OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger said in a commentary for RIA Novosti that the OSCE is closely monitoring the situation with the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and is aware of potential risks.

“We are closely watching what is happening and therefore, we are aware of all the possible risks. ... If you follow the reports of the SMM (Special Monitoring Mission – Ed.), you will see regular reports on the situation,” the OSCE Secretary General said.

As the UOJ reported, on February 19, 2019, the Zaporozhye court imposed a pre-trial restraint on three suspects for their attempt to set fire to the temple in Dneprovsky district of the city through detention for 60 days without the right to bail.

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