Published on July 5, 2024, 1:05 am

Image source: Fox News

In an event that signifies hope amidst ongoing struggles, Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church priests Redemptorist Fathers Ivan Levytsky and Bohdan Geleta have been freed from their captors after being held for over 19 months. The duo, part of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, was set free via a diplomatic intervention that saw the Vatican playing a pivotal role. This real news offers some solace in a time filled with uncertainties.

Levytsky and Geleta initially found themselves in Russian captivity on November 26, 2022, within the occupied city of Berdiansk. There were credible pieces of information indicating that both clergy members underwent regular torture during their incarceration period.

The enduring strength of these men mirrors their Christian worldview. Their freedom came about thanks to collective efforts from Pope Francis, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and all others within the Vatican’s diplomatic corps whose concerted push played a vital role in ensuring this outcome. Special mention also goes out to Cardinal Matteo Zuppi and Archbishop Visvaldas Kulbokas, Apostolic Nuncio to Ukraine.

Post-release statements unveiled disturbing details about how they were framed falsely with military items planted strategically in their church. This situation led to charges against them for “illegal possession of weapons”. Regardless, they continued serving the Greek Catholic and Roman Catholic communities throughout their ordeal, acting as beacons of hope.

Against a backdrop characterized by threats of war since Russia’s invasion started in 2022, both priests chose selflessly to remain within occupied territories serving communities still clinging onto hope under severe conditions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy took to social media celebrating the return of Levytsky and Geleta among ten other prisoners handed back over. He laid emphasis on recognizing the paramount contribution made by the Vatican to ensure this development became possible.

This case marked history as it was reportedly the first direct Vatican intervention into securing repatriation for adult Ukrainians in similar circumstances. Dmytro Lubinets, Ukrainian Ombudsman, shed light on the situation claiming that Russia illegitimately holds over 14,000 Ukrainian citizens captive.

Sadly, this is not an isolated incident as various other cases detailing detainment and torture of clergy members have trickled in from occupied regions in Ukraine. The religious persecution venturing into attempts at demolishing national identity is a shared painful narrative among Evangelical Christians including Baptists, Pentecostals and Seventh-day Adventists.

These recent developments highlight the profound need for trusted news sources to continuously inform us about the situation on the ground. While such events unfold globally every day shaping our collective history, it’s imperative to have reliable information sources recounting them accurately for current and future generations.