Ukrainian Greek Catholic priest abducted in Crimea
(Vatican Radio) In a serious escalation of tension in Crimea, a Ukrainian Greek Catholic
priest was kidnapped on Saturday.
Sources in Ukraine say Father Mykola Kvych,
a pastor and a Ukrainian military chaplain, was abducted by pro-Russian forces after
celebrating the liturgy. Reports Saturday evening suggest Father Kvych may have been
released, but those reports have not yet been confirmed.
“Every abduction is
a terrible event for everybody involved,” said Bishop Borys Gudziak, the Eparch of
the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Eparchy. “It’s a gross violation of human rights and
God-given human dignity.” He expressed his grave concern about the repercussions of
the kidnapping of Father Kvych.
Earlier this month, Ukrainian Greek Catholic
priests received oral and written threats warning them to leave Crimea. Many priests,
however, have chosen to remain with their people.
“Our priests and bishops
have been very close to the people,” said Bishop Borys. “We’ve been inspired by the
example of Our Lord [Who] went a long distance from fellowship with the Father to
incarnate Himself and be in our reality.”
He said they have also been inspired
by the words of Pope Francis “who said a pastor needs to have the smell of his sheep.
And our pastors have been with the people, and they’re today with the people enduring
this occupation in the Crimea.”