Priest charged with desertion freed after faithful raise bail
Archpriest Vitaliy Agafonov. Photo: Telegram channel of Archpriest Nikita Chekman
Archpriest Vitaliy Agafonov, a cleric of the Transfiguration Cathedral in the city of Nikopol, Kryvyi Rih Eparchy of the UOC, has been released after bail was paid. His release was announced by UOC lawyer Archpriest Nikita Chekman on his Telegram channel, where he also published a video message in which the priest thanked everyone who helped raise the necessary funds.
In the video, Fr. Vitaliy expressed gratitude to the faithful who took part in the fundraising effort. He said he had already been released from custody and wished everyone well-being, peace, and God’s help.
“May the merciful Lord preserve you and your loved ones. Thank God for you all!” Fr. Vitaliy said.
Earlier, the court set bail for the priest at 266,240 hryvnias. As the UOJ previously reported, the required amount was raised by believers in less than a day, making it possible to begin the process of securing his release.
Archpriest Vitaliy Agafonov was detained after leaving the military unit to which he had been assigned following mobilization. Last autumn, he was drafted into the Armed Forces of Ukraine and appointed to the position of rifleman-sniper. The priest said he was unable to take part in combat for reasons of conscience, since Church canons forbid clergy to take up arms. After his detention, he was placed in custody on charges of desertion.
Read also
In Radivilov, believers of the UOC held a traditional procession for peace
A prayer procession was accompanied by icons with relics of great Orthodox saints.
In Baltimore, hundreds of people gathered at a satanic event
More than 23,000 people have signed a petition against holding a satanic gathering in Baltimore.
In Germany, a Bishop of Constantinople Prayed with Catholics and Lutherans
The ecumenical concelebration concluded with the distribution of safety carabiners to all those present as a symbol of support and trust.
Foreign Christians Repented in the Knesset for Weak Assistance to Israel
Foreign Christians' repentance in the Israeli parliament has been criticized on social media.
HUR: Opinion polls prove religious rights are not violated in Ukraine
A representative of the intelligence service, Andrii Yusov, stated that society does not confirm any facts of religious persecution in the country.
Mass production of kosher bread launched in Bukovyna
Representatives of the Jewish community called the mass production of kosher bread at the regional level one of the few examples in Ukraine.