UOC and SBU carry on discussing their cooperation on release of captives

On 26 January, upon an invitation of the Security Service of Ukraine, vicar of Kiev Metropolitan’s Office Bishop Nikolay of Vasilkov represented the Ukrainian Orthodox Church at the meeting with relatives of the prisoners of war. It is reported by the site of Kiev Metropolitan’s Office.

In the course of the event there were discussed relevant issues on release of captives and volunteers who are located in the territory not controlled by Ukraine.

The meeting took place in the House of Culture of the National Security Service of Ukraine. It was led by SBU chief Vitaliy Hrytsak, as well as Advisor to the SBU chief Yuriy Tandit, members of the Ministry of Defense, Interior Affairs, National Police, public and religious organizations.

Bishop Nikolay assured the attendees the Church will further pray and take efforts to facilitate the safe return of captives back to their homes. He urged mothers, women, and relatives of the missed in action soldiers to first of all pray to God to settle an exchange issue.

In December of 2016, with assistance and participation of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church there was released prisoner of war Taras Kolodiy. During the last year the Church helped to free another four Ukrainian captives: Alexander Yaslinsky, Yuriy Poteychuk, Sviatoslav Savchuk, and Anatoliy Semeniuk.