UGCC cleric: I see nothing wrong with raising money for drones

Makariy Dudka. Photo: Espreso

UGCC cleric Makariy Dudka of the Univ Lavra said on Espreso that he sees nothing reprehensible in a priest raising funds for attack drones.

According to the cleric, he deliberately chose not to raise money for vehicles, medicine, equipment, or electronic warfare systems, focusing specifically on drones. “I felt especially drawn to drones,” Dudka admitted. Before launching a public campaign, he asked relatives, former classmates, and fellow monks how they would view such activity by a priest. According to him, “99.9%” of those asked were in favor.

What finally convinced him was a conversation with one serviceman, who told him: “Father, the more drones there are, the fewer of our defending men and women you will meet at the entrances to cities and villages on the shield.”

According to the monk’s own estimates, over two years of volunteer work he has delivered more than UAH 113 million worth of aid to the Ukrainian army, including around 10,000–12,000 drones. He raises money through Instagram and Facebook, as well as through charity auctions – in particular, in cooperation with the “Tiazhki Peremohy” project.

Dudka is also an active powerlifter, holding 18 Ukrainian records, which he dedicates to fallen soldiers and public figures. He donates proceeds from competitions to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Earlier, the OCU stated that Christ’s words about loving one’s enemies do not apply to Russians.

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