Ukrainian procession for peace blocked in Kiev

Kiev, July 26, 2016.

    

The All-Ukraine cross procession for peace in Ukraine, which began in the east of the country from the Svyatogorsk Monastery on July 3 and in the west of the country from the Pochayev Monastery on July 9, has been halted by Ukrainian authorities in Kiev.

    

The two processions planned to meet in Kiev at St. Vladimir Hill and proceed together to the Kiev Monastery of the Caves, where they intend to celebrate the Day of Baptism of Rus’ tomorrow, July 27. The procession, however, which was organized by the autonomous Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate, has met with protest and aggression by Ukrainian nationalists, who view the procession for peace in the Ukraine as a Kremlin provocation.

    

Yesterday, as the procession was nearing Kiev at the town of Borispol, Interfax Religion reported that 100-150 Ukrainian nationalists set up a roadblock to prevent the procession from crossing the town. The roadblock consisted mostly of men holding the red and black flags of the OUN-UPA (Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists-Ukrainian Insurgent Army—connected with pro-Nazi Ukrainian Nationalist Stepan Bandera of World War II notoriety). The town of Borispol had decided not to let the procession walk across its boundaries, citing possible civic unrest and danger.

    

    

    

Today, the Ukrainian Ministry of the Interior offered to provide buses for the procession out of fear of attack from nationalist protestors. Interfax has reported that yesterday the Ukrainian National Police's dog handlers discovered two fake explosive devices and two caches of ball grenades with smoke flares at a road crossing that lay on the path of the cross procession for peace in Kiev's Kiev-Svyatoshin District. Bomb disposal experts and anti-mine robots are working to remove the threat.

Now the Ukrainian police and National Guard have blocked the procession on the streets of Kiev, citing bomb threats. Whether the threats are real or simply a provocation designed to prevent the procession from reaching its goal remains to be seen.

7/26/2016

See also
UOC MP Synod calls upon the faithful to join the all-Ukrainian cross procession for peace UOC MP Synod calls upon the faithful to join the all-Ukrainian cross procession for peace UOC MP Synod calls upon the faithful to join the all-Ukrainian cross procession for peace UOC MP Synod calls upon the faithful to join the all-Ukrainian cross procession for peace
The Synod has called upon the faithful to join the all-Ukrainian cross procession and to pray hard for peace, unity and love in the Ukraine. At the same time the Synod has stressed that the use of any political slogans and attributes during the all-Ukrainian cross procession is not permitted, reports the official website of UOC MP. All-Ukrainian Cross Procession All-Ukrainian Cross Procession
More than ten thousand pilgrims have joined the Cross Procession—men and women, old and young. They are praying that the civil war would end, that love would reign in Ukrainian hearts, and that all would turn in this time of need to the everlasting source of life in Jesus Christ and His Church. Ukrainian nationalists make a provocation during the all-Ukrainian cross procession Ukrainian nationalists make a provocation during the all-Ukrainian cross procession Ukrainian nationalists make a provocation during the all-Ukrainian cross procession Ukrainian nationalists make a provocation during the all-Ukrainian cross procession
The cross procession participants were greatly astonished that the locals who had taken part in the provocation received monetary reward from “the Right Sector” for their “action”. The Orthodox pilgrims were even more amazed when after it was all over, some of the provocateurs joined them for dinner at the same table! Metropolitan Onufryasks Ukrainians to read special prayer rule for the period of all-Ukrainian cross procession Metropolitan Onufryasks Ukrainians to read special prayer rule for the period of all-Ukrainian cross procession Metropolitan Onufryasks Ukrainians to read special prayer rule for the period of all-Ukrainian cross procession Metropolitan Onufry asks Ukrainians to read special prayer rule for the period of all-Ukrainian cross procession
His Beatitude has blessed all Orthodox Ukrainians to observe a special daily prayer rule until July 27. Thousands of believers join the all-Ukrainian cross procession at Pochaev Lavra Thousands of believers join the all-Ukrainian cross procession at Pochaev Lavra Thousands of believers join the all-Ukrainian cross procession at Pochaev Lavra Thousands of believers join the all-Ukrainian cross procession at Pochaev Lavra
Clergy, monks and thousands of pilgrims are walking with a prayer for peace in the Ukrainian land in their hearts. On their way they are reading Akathists to our Lord Jesus Christ, the Most Holy Mother of God and saints. Beginning of All-Ukrainian cross procession in Svyatogorsk Beginning of All-Ukrainian cross procession in Svyatogorsk Beginning of All-Ukrainian cross procession in Svyatogorsk Beginning of All-Ukrainian cross procession in Svyatogorsk
More than 1500 faithful took part in the beginning of the cross procession. During the procession the hymn to the Most Holy Theotokos “Rejoice O Unwedded Bride” was collectively sung, followed by “Rejoice Virgin, Theotokos!”
Comments
Kateryna7/27/2016 10:35 pm
War is one man's loss and other man's bread. The ones who earns money at the expence of the war are opposing the peace.
I feel very sorry for the civilians.
Sally Iloff7/26/2016 11:40 pm
Poor Matushka Ukraine! I see what deep well of suffer and disgrace comes after this political split from the Mother Church. I happened very much the same in my mother's land with our Mother Church almost 18-20 years ago. I pray God touch the hearts of all believers in Ukraine! In other way only resolution, mass migration out of the country and political instability is to come.
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