UOC priest describes how clergymen are turned into "goods for exchange"
Father Serhiy Chertylin in custody. Photo: Myriany
Father Serhiy Chertylin, who is in pre-trial detention, has reported through his lawyers that the authorities are creating a "golden exchange fund" from UOC clerics for transfer to the Russian Federation by accusing church representatives of non-existent serious crimes. The publication appeared on the Telegram channel created to support the imprisoned Fr. Serhiy.
The priest explains that he could not understand why the investigation attributed to him an unrealistic role within the Church, from blocking legislation to leading organizations with which he had no connection. However, everything becomes clear when viewing the UOC clergy not as guilty individuals but as "goods for exchange".
"Agree, who needs an ordinary parish priest, but if you say that he created an espionage network, blocked the law prohibiting the UOC, led many organizations, then it's a real case!" said Fr. Serhiy.
The UOC cleric also noted that the reason for the increased pressure on Metropolitan Theodosiy of Cherkasy and Kaniv is that the hierarch refused to be exchanged to the Russian Federation.
As reported by the UOJ, a judge has previously decided to extend the priest's detention until September 12, 2024. However, the court's decision states that if a bail of 1,652 living wages (just over 5 million hryvnias) is paid before this date, Father Serhiy Chertylin should be immediately released from custody.
To contribute to the bail fund for Father Serhiy:
đź”—Link to the bank https://send.monobank.ua/jar/7sus6DHqDJ
đź’łBank card number 5375 4112 2123 2759
Read also
Hearing in Lower Lavra case postponed again due to judge’s illness
The session of the Northern Commercial Court of Appeal was scheduled for March 5, 2026.
OIDAC Europe report includes attack on Sviatohirsk Lavra
The international human-rights organization OIDAC Europe mentioned an attack on the Sviatohirsk Lavra in its report on hate crimes against Christians in Europe.
Hate crimes against Christians on the rise in Europe, report says
The Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians in Europe reported 39 incidents targeting believers, churches, and religious symbols.
British Christians oppose idea of dresses for boys at school
Christian organizations have criticized a statement by the UK’s education minister suggesting that boys should be allowed to express their gender identity in primary school.
European Parliament hosts gender-identity class for schoolchildren
A session on gender identity was held in the European Parliament building for children aged 12–13 – participation was mandatory, and parents had no option to refuse.
Swedish MEP submits “mosque ban” motion to European Parliament
A proposal has been introduced in the European Parliament to clamp down on the construction of new mosques in EU countries. The initiative was backed by 37 politicians from 17 states, who cited the risks of radicalization.