Photo: Wikipedia / Rbrechko (cc)
In May 2023, Father Kostiantyn Maksimov, a priest from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, was taken by Russian occupation forces. Several other religious leaders have either been killed, tortured or reported missing after being detained by members of the Russian forces.
In late March of this year, the Regional Prosecutor's Office for the occupation forces in the Zaporizhzhia Region announced that Father Kostiantyn was to face trial on charges of espionage. The prosecutors allege that the priest had reported the location of Russian air defences to the Ukrainian security service via Telegram, an instant messaging app. At last report, no details have been released regarding when and where the trial will be held.
In a separate incident, two priests from the Orthodox Church of Ukraine were convicted of "conducting missionary activities" in September 2023. (Read a previously published report.) Father Khristofor Khrimli and Father Andri Chui are from the Donetsk Region of Ukraine, an area currently considered part of Russia by occupational forces. Both church leaders were ordered to be deported from Russian territory, but since court officials claim that the region of their home is now within the jurisdiction of Russia, there was uncertainty at the time as to where the priests would be sent.
According to a recent update, the two men were deported to the country of Georgia in March. Since then, they have returned to Ukraine but are living in an area that's under the control of the Ukrainian government. Due to orders of the court representing Russia's occupational forces, they are forbidden to return to their home community within the Donetsk Region.
Continue to pray for peace in Ukraine, especially within the hearts of those residing in occupied or volatile regions of the country. In the midst of the ongoing threats of violence and oppression, may God also minister His divine protection, love and provision. Specifically pray that the charges issued by Russian officials against Father Kostiantyn and other falsely accused religious leaders will be dropped. And may Father Khristofor and Father Andri, along with the many other Christians who have been forced from their homes, receive the resources and support required to continue reaching out with the hope of the Gospel – wherever they happen to be located. On behalf of all the remaining Ukrainian church leaders and their congregants, pray for ongoing strength, wisdom and guidance as they faithfully gather together for worship and continue in their endeavours to meet the needs of others in their communities.
