Ukraine: Odessa bishop condemns violence

(Vatican Radio) The Roman Catholic bishop of Odessa, in Ukraine, Bronislav Biernacki, has issued a letter in response to violence that began on Friday in his city. Below, please find the full text of his letter, in English.

Listen to our conversation with Fr. Christopher Kontek of the diocesan curia:

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Odessa, 3rd May 2014

Beloved Priests, Reverend Sisters, Dear Brothers and Sisters, It is the second time in last few months that the territory of our diocese became the place of horrifying incidents. First we observed with deep concern the annexation of Crimea, and last Friday Odessa was made a battle field. With great anxiety I observe the escalation of aggression and more and more often riots in different parts of the country. Friday's events in Odessa so tragic in its course clearly show that behind the riots the are forces from outside of our city and our country.

Looking at those killed in the incidents and seeing the sufferings of so many wounded I want to call all the Christian without concerning their denomination to pray together and constantly for peace. In the same time I invite all of you for the funeral Mass for all the victims of the clashes no mater which side of the conflict they were on. The Mass will take place in the cathedral church in Odessa on coming Monday (5th May 2014) at 6 p.m. I invite to participate all the priests and faithful.

I ask all the people of our diocese to stay calm and not to surrender to the provocations. I call all of you to deep prayer in the intentions of our fatherland. I want to appeal to all political powers in our country and abroad to intensify the efforts to provide Ukraine with peace and to stop the escalation of the violence. I ask the international community to strengthen the political and economical pressure on those who support the violence, pay the provocateurs and provide them with weapons.

with prayer
†Bronislav Biernacki
Bishop of Odessa-Simpheropol