Lawyer: Banks obstruct bail for Metropolitan Pavel
Metropolitan Pavel (Lebed). Photo: ctrana.news
Financial institutions actively tried to hinder the submission of bail for the release of the abbot of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, Metropolitan Pavel, from pre-trial detention, reports the lawyer of the bishop, Archpriest Nikita Chekman, on his Telegram channel.
"Parishioners of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church repeatedly turned to us with complaints about the problems that arose when attempting to pay bail for Metropolitan Pavel," the lawyer noted. "Some banks unreasonably refused to process transfers to the special account of the State Judicial Administration (SJA). Other banks referred to financial monitoring and sanctions, which allegedly made the execution of payments impossible. We inform you that there were also cases of funds being blocked and returned to the accounts of individuals who tried to provide bail."
Father Nikita said that believers raised funds "through all possible means: 'banks' were set up in applications of national banks through grassroots initiatives, donation boxes were placed in the Lavra and virtually all Ukrainian Orthodox Church temples in many cities and villages across Ukraine."
According to the lawyer, without exaggeration, it can be said that millions of UOC parishioners participated in the fundraising efforts.
"Despite all the obstacles that were artificially created, they were overcome, as it is impossible to block over a thousand (!) payments from ordinary citizens, regular Ukrainians, made for the prompt release of Metropolitan Pavel," emphasized the archpriest.
As reported, on August 7, 2023, the abbot of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra was released from custody on bail.
Read also
UOC's Social Department reports on aid provided during 1000 days of war
Millions of hryvnias in financial aid and hundreds of tons of humanitarian assistance were provided during this period.
On 1000th day of war, UOC opens exhibition dedicated to Church's mission
Before the exhibition's opening, a memorial service was held for those who perished and died during the war, as well as a prayer service for AFU soldiers and for Ukraine.
Zelensky on the Church: The era of those who sanctify terror is over
The President stated that in Ukraine, there is dialogue between the state and all religious communities.
Satanic show to be held in Prague as a counter to St. Nicholas feast
Terrifying creatures will scare children instead of giving them gifts.
Papal Nuncio in Kyiv: War is from the devil, it makes no sense
Visvaldas Kulbokas believes the Church's mission is to call for the urgent need to end the war.