Arsonists of the Tithes Monastery apologize in writing to believers
Architects Alexander Gorban and Alexey Shemotiuk. Photo: censor.net.ua
The arsonists of the Tithes (Desiatinny) Monastery of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos of the UOC in Kiev, architects Alexander Gorban and Alexei Shemotiuk, apologized in writing to members of the monastery’s religious community, reports Viacheslav Chechilo, a political blogger, Editor-in-Chief of the online edition “Capital” on Facebook.
He published a photocopy of the letter from the arsonists, in which they stated that they were not going to destroy the property of citizens or insult the feelings of believers.
“We apologize to everyone and to the religious community as a whole regarding the events that occurred on January 24, 2018,” wrote Gorban and Shemotiuk. “In no way did we have as our aim any actions that would be dangerous to human life or lead to destroying the property of citizens. Also, in no way did we want to offend the feelings of believers.”
According to the offenders, they admit that they “chose a method of protest not worthy for a believing educated person," and sincerely repent of their actions.
The arsonists also assured that they wrote their penitential letter not in the hope for leniency but for the sake of self-respect.
We recall that in January 2018, Gorban and Shemotiuk climbed to the roof of the Tithes Monastery of the Nativity of the Theotokos, doused it with petrol and set it on fire. As they said in the monastery, the fire went out on its own, and no one suffered.
On February 5, 2018, the brothers of the Tithes Monastery filed an application with the Kiev Court of Appeal to bail the arsonists.
Read also
Kosovo to enact law restricting Serbian Church, experts say
Analysts warn that the new "Law on Foreigners" in Kosovo could restrict the presence of clergy, believers' access to shrines, and increase pressure on the Serbian community.
Congress Speaker: Demand to introduce Sharia law in USA is a serious problem
The Speaker of the House of Representatives stated that there is growing concern in society about attempts to impose Islamic law, which is incompatible with the American Constitution.
UK government introduces restrictions on "anti-Muslim hostility"
UK authorities have adopted a new definition of "Islamophobia" which, according to experts, could provide Muslims with special protection and restrict freedom of speech.
Dumenko brings icon in Church Slavonic to Ministry of Health
Epifaniy presented cardiologists with an Intercession icon, with inscriptions in Church Slavonic, which his structure calls a "sign of the Moscow tradition".
ISIS supporters carries out terrorist attack at anti-Islamic protest in NY
Near the home of New York's Muslim mayor, radicals threw two makeshift bombs at protesters during an anti-Islamic rally.
Hryshchuk: If UOC hands over its church itself, angle grinders aren't needed
An OCU chaplain called on UOC believers to accept the loss of the shrine for the sake of their own "enlightenment".