Russian Forces Seize Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Tokmak, Occupied Zaporizhzhia Region

On April 12, the Feast of the Resurrection of Christ, the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC) reported that Russian forces in the occupied Zaporizhzhia region seized the Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Tokmak. The church, which serves the local community, was occupied by clergy of the Russian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate, preventing parishioners from accessing their place of worship.

His Beatitude Sviatoslav, Father and Head of the UGCC, strongly condemned the seizure, calling it a “blasphemy against the Risen Lord—the Prince of Peace.” The act, occurring on the day of Christ’s Resurrection, was described as particularly cynical and deeply offensive to the faithful.

The Donetsk Exarchate of the UGCC issued a statement affirming that systematic persecution of the faithful continues in the occupied territories. Those who resist or defend their right to freedom of religion face severe consequences, including up to 15 years in prison, regardless of age or health. The statement highlighted the ongoing violation of religious freedom and the deliberate efforts to displace the UGCC from Russian-occupied areas.

Ms. Svitlana Loy, a local parishioner, exemplifies the courage of those who continue to uphold their faith despite threats. She regularly attended the church, prayed, and cared for its property, even as Russian forces barred her from entering. Her actions reflect the resilience of the community in the face of oppression.

The Exarchate’s statement emphasized that the ban on local parishioners attending their own church, while outsiders are allowed to pose as parishioners, underscores a systematic and deliberate policy of religious persecution. This policy, the statement noted, is an affront to human dignity and a clear violation of the right to freedom of conscience and religion.

Such actions, the statement continued, demonstrate a disregard for the spiritual and moral well-being of the people. However, the faithfulness of individuals like Ms. Loy serves as a testament to the enduring strength of the UGCC community. Their unwavering commitment to their faith, even under pressure, highlights the importance of unity and mutual support.

In the midst of these challenges, the Exarchate urged the faithful to preserve unity, support one another in prayer, and remain hopeful. The Feast of Christ’s Resurrection, they noted, mirrors the nation’s history, where truth and freedom, though temporarily suppressed, ultimately prevail. This message of hope and perseverance aligns with the biblical call to love mercy, walk humbly, and seek justice, as seen in Micah 6:8.

Source: Read the original report