Published on: 16 November 2023
DOHI Staff
Since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, we have become deeply concerned about the numerous reports on the enforced disappearances of Ukrainian religious leaders by the Russian occupation forces.
While the exact reasons for many of the abductions are not known, what is clear is that these men were all active in their communities in exercising their right to freedom of religion, no matter the dangers to their own person.
We have compiled a list and ask that you keep these men in prayer. Ask that God protect them from torture and that they would soon be released to rejoin their church families.
Priest Khristofor Khrimli of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine was disappeared in September 2023.
Priest Andri Chui of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine was disappeared in September 2023.
Priest Kostiantyn Maksimov of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church was disappeared in May 2023.
Fr. Kostiantyn Maksimov
Priest Ivan Levytsky of the Greek Catholic Church was disappeared in November 2022.
Fr. Ivan Levytskyi
Priest Bohdan Heleta of the Greek Catholic Church was disappeared in November 2022.
Fr. Bohdan Heleta
“Russia is a co-signer on the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which prohibits the enforced disappearance of civilians. These religious leaders have been deprived of their liberty and, what’s worse, the Russian occupations forces have refused to disclose to their families and communities whether or not they are still alive and their whereabouts. Leaders of the world should hold Russia responsible,” Paul Popov, President of Door of Hope International.
Other leaders have been held for a short period of time and then released, including:
Pastor Leonid Ponomaryov and his wife, Tatyana, of the Baptist Council of Churches in Mariupol, were held from 21 September to 21 October 2022.
Anatoly Prokopchuk and son Aleksandr
Perhaps most shocking of all is the tragic story of Pentecostal deacon and father of seven, Anatoly Prokopchuk, and his teenage son, Aleksandr. Both men were abducted on November 22, 2022, and several days later, their bodies were found in the woods near Nova Kakhovka. They had suffered torture at the hands of the Russian occupation forces before being shot.
