UOC priest describes how clergymen are turned into "goods for exchange"

Father Serhiy Chertylin in custody. Photo: Myriany

Father Serhiy Chertylin, who is in pre-trial detention, has reported through his lawyers that the authorities are creating a "golden exchange fund" from UOC clerics for transfer to the Russian Federation by accusing church representatives of non-existent serious crimes. The publication appeared on the Telegram channel created to support the imprisoned Fr. Serhiy.

The priest explains that he could not understand why the investigation attributed to him an unrealistic role within the Church, from blocking legislation to leading organizations with which he had no connection. However, everything becomes clear when viewing the UOC clergy not as guilty individuals but as "goods for exchange".

"Agree, who needs an ordinary parish priest, but if you say that he created an espionage network, blocked the law prohibiting the UOC, led many organizations, then it's a real case!" said Fr. Serhiy.

The UOC cleric also noted that the reason for the increased pressure on Metropolitan Theodosiy of Cherkasy and Kaniv is that the hierarch refused to be exchanged to the Russian Federation.

As reported by the UOJ, a judge has previously decided to extend the priest's detention until September 12, 2024. However, the court's decision states that if a bail of 1,652 living wages (just over 5 million hryvnias) is paid before this date, Father Serhiy Chertylin should be immediately released from custody.

To contribute to the bail fund for Father Serhiy:

🔗Link to the bank https://send.monobank.ua/jar/7sus6DHqDJ

💳Bank card number 5375 4112 2123 2759

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