**Russia’s Repression of Ukrainian Christians Exposed**
Melitopol, a city in Ukraine’s southern Zaporizhzhia Oblast, has long been a melting pot of different faiths and cultures. However, with the start of Russia’s occupation in 2022, local Christians faced brutal repression. Russian forces subjected clergy to searches and interrogations, banned several churches, and even forced believers to go underground.
**The Stories of Four Melitopol Priests**
The Kyiv Independent recently interviewed four priests from Melitopol, who shared their harrowing experiences under Russian occupation. Bishop Dmytro Bodyu, Father Oleksandr Bohomaz, Pastor Mykhailo Brytsyn, and Pastor Ihor Ivashchuk all spoke about the systematic terror they faced at the hands of Russian forces.
Their testimonies reveal a pattern of intimidation and repression that was designed to silence Ukrainian Christians. Priests were accused of stockpiling weapons and ammunition – claims that were completely baseless. Many were forced to flee, while others were officially deported. The propaganda machine went into overdrive, portraying Ukrainian Christians as enemies of the state.
**Russian Forces in Denial**
Despite the overwhelming evidence of repression, Russian forces continued to deny any wrongdoing. They claimed that there was no need to evacuate civilians – a statement that belies the reality on the ground. In fact, it was local Christians who were forced to go into hiding to avoid persecution.
**A Glimpse into the Minds of Perpetrators**
In a bold move, investigative journalist Danylo Mokryk posed as a representative of a Russian Orthodox organization to gain access to an official responsible for the persecution. This conversation provided valuable insights into the mindset of those who carried out the terror.
By exposing the identities and motivations of those involved in the repression, this documentary shines a light on the darkest aspects of Russia’s occupation of Ukraine. It is a powerful reminder that, even in the face of overwhelming oppression, Ukrainian Christians remain steadfast in their faith.
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