Rivne Eparchy appeals to President over Metropolitan Pavel's arrest

The Rivne Eparchy of the UOC called on the Ukrainian government to stop the abuse of hierarchs, believers, and parishioners of the UOC, as well as to end the persecution of the Church. The relevant appeal was published by the press service of the Rivne Eparchy.

They noted that the arrest of Metropolitan Pavel is a complete lawlessness under the guise of justice.

The eparchy believes that the imprisonment of Metropolitan Pavel, the raiding seizures of UOC churches, and the overall informational pressure against the Church are links in one chain: "This is a political order against our UOC, its hierarchs, clergy, and believers, aimed at the destruction of our Church," said the Rivne Eparchy. "<…> an unrealistically high bail of 33 million hryvnias is assigned. Even murderers, corrupt officials, and black-market organ traffickers in Ukraine are given lower bails."

The eparchy also explained that Metropolitan Pavel enjoys great authority among the residents of the Rivne region because he has done a lot for his native land and village.

"The imprisonment of Metropolitan Pavel is torture, as the bishop is a person with insulin dependence. Therefore, we demand an end to the abuse of the hierarch of our Church, who has done so much for an independent state of Ukraine, its people, and the preservation of the country's cultural heritage," the appeal says.

As reported, the Lavra abbot, Metropolitan Pavel, said that he is being tried for the Church, faith and Christ.

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