UOC calls to pray for release of hostages in Lutsk

The bus in which the Lutsk terrorist is holding people hostage. Photo: dialog.ua

The Ukrainian Orthodox Church is asking for prayers so that the hostage situation in Lutsk, Volyn Region, ends as soon as possible and without harm to people's health. Metropolitan Anthony (Pakanich), the UOC Chancellor, Metropolitan of Boryspil and Brovary, wrote about this on his Facebook page.

The hierarch noted that what is happening today in the center of Lutsk "evokes a feeling of deep regret and empathy."

“Hostage taking is a big test both for the people directly caught in this difficult situation and for their families. We call on all the faithful children of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church to pray for the immediate release of our compatriots and without damage to their health. We also ask for prayers for those representatives of law enforcement agencies who are now risking their lives to save the lives of people in trouble. May the Lord help to settle everything peacefully and without losses!" exhorted the UOC Chancellor.

As the UOJ reported, taking of hostages on Teatralnaya Square in the center of Lutsk took place at 9:25 am, and there are approximately 10 to 20 people inside the seized bus. The sounds of shots can be heard on the spot, eyewitnesses and the media report explosions. There is no information about the victims. The criminal calling himself “Maxim Bad” is demanding that a number of political and religious leaders of Ukraine publicly recognize themselves as “terrorists in law”. The Primate of the UOC, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry, was also included in the "black list" of the Lutsk terrorist.

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