Valeriy Stupnitsky, Editor of the Union of Orthodox Journalists (UOJ)

Arrested and placed in the pre-trial detention center since 12 March 2024. 

Valeriy is one of those individuals who cannot conceive of life without the Church, both within its walls and beyond.

With a background in music, he graduated from the Kyiv State Conservatory as a musicologist. Until recently, he served as a sound engineer and music editor at the Orthodox television channel GLAS.

Valeriy embodies Christian morality, striving to live in accordance with the expectations set by the Lord—living by truth and the commandments of the Savior. This is attested by everyone who knows him, without exception. For him, living means living in a Christian manner, and only so.

These strict principles led him to the Church and compelled him to defend the UOC from injustice and iniquity. These principles left him disillusioned and critical of Patriarch Kirill and the ROC for their stance on the war and Ukraine after the Russian full-scale invasion, which he finds unchristian and unjust.

Valeriy is deeply passionate about music and the arts. He has always been devoted and sensitive to the community, to his fellow beings, and to the beauty he finds in music, people, and excellent journalism.

In addition to his primary dedication to defending the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, he actively participated in the church life of his parish. For 17 years, he has served as the choir director at the Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Kyiv, where he formed a professional choir comprising some of Ukraine's finest vocalists.

Valeriy is a father of a large family. We have three children. His son Ivan served as a sexton in the church for a long time, while me, his wife, and eldest daughter Maria sing in the choir.

Trying to describe him in a few words, one might say he is incredibly reserved, almost silent, quiet, and deeply passionate about his craft, thoughtful, kind, and remarkably principled. We, his family and friends, do know that this sense of principle emanates from his profound faith. Valeriy feels committed to defending truth, protecting the persecuted, and upholding Christian principles.

This is Valeriy’s gist and vibe.

This is what he dedicated himself working for the UOJ.

And this is what he is now being tried for.

Valeriy Stupnitsky's wife, Elena

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