Priest who spent 5 months in SIZO launches fundraiser for prisoners
Prison. Photo: Facebook Serhiy Chertylin
Archpriest Serhiy Chertylin shared his reflections on Facebook about the challenges faced by people in prisons and announced a fundraiser to assist those in pre-trial detention. Drawing on his own experience (the priest was jailed due to a UOJ-related case), he spoke about systemic injustice and the importance of supporting those behind bars.
He described how his perspective on prisons changed: "I always thought it was a place for those who knowingly chose the wrong path and committed crimes. I never imagined this could happen to me."
He stressed that injustice can strike anyone unexpectedly: "It’s vital not only to endure this experience but to understand how crucial it is to support those who fall into this trap. Sometimes, support and attention from others can be their only salvation."
The priest called for help for prisoners, underscoring that the reality is such that "this system can ensnare anyone" and that indifference to others' suffering is unacceptable. He expressed confidence that support and attention can provide prisoners with hope: "We can change the situation, show that truth matters and is worth fighting for."
The cleric initiated a fundraiser and urged everyone who could to join and support those facing difficult life circumstances.
Goal: ₴35,000
Donation Link: https://send.monobank.ua/jar/AdJGUP6CtQ
Bank Card Number: 4441 1111 2824 3122
Read also
OCU explains why beggars are driven away from St. Michael’s Cathedral
A cleric of Dumenko’s structure admitted that beggars are not tolerated at the OCU’s main monastery because of their “high incomes” and the desire not to damage the site’s image before foreign tourists.
UOC Chancellor: Venerable Anthony founded a monastery, not a reserve
Metropolitan Anthony said that the attempt to turn the Lavra into a state preserve is, in essence, an attempt to lock living Orthodoxy behind a door.
Dumenko discusses countering hostile influence in spiritual life with PO head
The heads of the OCU and the Presidential Office touched on state-church relations and “spiritual security” in wartime.
Albanian Primate speaks about ways to resolve OCU problem
Archbishop John is convinced: disagreements between Moscow and Constantinople can only be overcome through love and dialogue, but not through choosing "sides".
National Memory Institute and SBU open exhibition on UGCC liquidation
An exhibition on the repression of the Uniates has opened in the capital, while state officials search for historical parallels with the present day.
OCU "priest" “allows” parishioners to use priest’s cassock for sex games
Ruslan Usmedinsky said that using a priest’s cassock as a prop for role-playing games can strengthen relationships between couples.