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
SBU told Phanar many UOC bishops would join OCU in 2018, report says
According to a Phanar representative’s account, Ukrainian security services told the Constantinople delegation that many UOC representatives were prepared to attend the OCU’s “Unification Council.” In the end, only two did.
Catholic cardinal visits Ukrainian POWs during trip to Russia
During three days of consultations in Moscow, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi discussed prospects for ending the war in Ukraine.
Ukrainians help restore Serbian Orthodox church in Paris
Orthodox Ukrainians have become regular parishioners of St. Sava Church in Paris and have taken part in its restoration.
Bulgarian Church clergy and laity oppose Phanar head’s visit
More than 2,000 clergy and laity have called for the Ecumenical Patriarch’s visit to be canceled, citing disagreement with his actions and concerns that the visit could legitimize schism.
Unknown intruders break down doors at two UOC churches in Sloviansk
Archbishop Paisiy said OCU activists are suspected of breaking into the churches in Sloviansk, and police have launched an investigation.
Sviatohirsk Lavra prays for murdered monk on 40th day after death
The brethren of the Sviatohirsk Lavra held a memorial service for murdered Monk Varsonofiy, calling on the faithful to pray for the newly departed monk.