"He became the pride of the Ukrainian State," - Head of the OCU about Vitaly Markiv

The first hierarch wrote about this on his Facebook page.

"An event that Ukraine has been waiting for three years and four months. And finally, yesterday, the desired words were heard: " Vitaly Markiv is free!” We share this message with ease and joy, and the struggle for justice has been hard and long. Vitaly courageously held the blow of Russian propaganda."

Vitaliy Markiv, according to the Primate of the OCU, has become "a real pride of the Ukrainian state, as well as an example for students-cadets who, becoming military personnel, will defend their homeland."

"Lord, you truly deliver those who trust in you (cf.: Sirach 51: 12). Therefore, today we thank God for his mercy, for the fact that the truth necessarily wins, even though it requires an unbreakable position and endurance. It was demonstrated by thousands of Ukrainians who came out to support Vitaliy Markiv, all those who wrote letters, spread the truth and prayed for the release of the Ukrainian soldier. It was shown by statesmen and diplomats, lawyers who did everything possible and impossible to make the truth win," said Metropolitan Epifaniy of the OCU.