Pope Francis urges to cease conflict in the east of Ukraine at the earliest
Pope Francis. Photo: refnews.ru
On September 15, 2019, during the prayer on St. Peter's Square, Pope Francis prayed for an early end to the Donbas conflict, dw.com reports.
The Pope welcomed the exchange of prisoners between Moscow and Kiev that took place a week earlier, thanks to which those released "were able to fold their loved ones in their arms".
The pontiff prayed "for an early end to the conflict and sustainable peace in eastern Ukraine".
Earlier, the head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry of Kiev and All Ukraine, stressed that the UOC would continue to do everything possible to help release all Ukrainian prisoners. The UOC appealed to the new Ukrainian authorities to initiate the resumption of the process of releasing the Ukrainian captives and asked for the exchange in an "all for all" format.
His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry also called on the Ukrainians to help Vladimir Zelensky implement his good intentions.
We will remind, on September 7, Ukraine and Russia exchanged prisoners by the 35-for-35 formula. The released Ukrainians were met at the airport by their relatives, President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky and other officials.
Read also
UGCC cleric calls Russian Orthodox literature cangerous for clergy
While examining the causes of divisions within the UGCC, Yustyn Boiko concluded that Russian Orthodox literature had influenced Greek Catholic clergy.
UOC will play major role in achieving peace, says Vadym Novynskyi
UOC Protodeacon Vadym Novynskyi believes the Church will help bring about reconciliation within Ukrainian society after the war ends.
Catholic media outraged by forcible conscription of Uniate cleric
The Vatican’s Apostolic Nunciature has demanded the return of a forcibly mobilized Greek Catholic cleric.
Rivne court fines man for criticizing parish's "transfer" to OCU
A resident of the Rivne region was convicted over Facebook posts criticizing the “transfer” of a religious community in the village of Butove to the OCU.
Novynskyi: I quoted the Gospel to Zelensky on first day of war
The former Ukrainian MP said he advised Davyd Arakhamia to begin negotiations with Russia in the first days of the full-scale war and later spoke with Volodymyr Zelensky.
Sumy Eparchy venerates miraculous Korsun-Shpylivka Theotokos Icon
Celebrations honoring the Mother of God’s icon known as the “Restorer of Sight” were held at Sumy Cathedral and concluded with a car procession around the city.