Uniate priest hated for words on reconciliation of Ukrainians and Russians

Roman Kurakh says that Ukrainians and Russians are fraternal peoples. Photo: Facebook Sipigina

A scandal arose in Ukraine because of the sermon of the Uzhhorod Uniate priest Roman Kurakh, in which he stated the need for reconciliation between Ukrainians and Russians.

“And we very much ask the Lord to do this miracle: to reconcile these two great peoples – Ukraine and Russia. So that these two beautiful peoples do not collide, do not torture, destroy, and kill each other, Instead, they should build the Kingdom of Heaven already here on earth so that one day, they could enter heaven together, embrace each other and glorify the Lord for all eternity for many and good years,” said the priest.

The recording of the sermon was posted on Facebook by activist, journalist and “producer at BBC News” Daria Sipigina, after which the video was distributed by Ukrainian Telegram channels with millions of audiences.

Sipigina heard the priest's sermon through the loudspeakers in front of the Exaltation of the Cross Cathedral in Uzhhorod, went into the altar with two companions and made a scandal for Kurakh. She also posted a recording of the conversation in the publication.

“You said that Ukrainians and Russians are fraternal peoples, and you are raising your voice at me,” Sipigina says.

“Yes, I am. Because you break into the altar when I am praying and don’t let me take the Holy (Communion – Ed),” the priest replied and added that his brother is fighting in the airborne troops of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

"Do you bless our enemies?" Sipigina asked being indignant.

“I bless, and it was Jesus who said it, not me,” the priest replied and asked what she would like him to say.

“I would like you not to say that,” the activist replied.

Priest Roman Kurakh belongs to the Mukachevo Greek Catholic diocese, which is not part of the UGCC structure being accountable not to the UGCC leader Shevchuk but directly to the Holy See.

Earlier, the UOJ wrote that the Net showed women walking through the altar in a UGCC church.

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