House of Greek Catholic Priest Set on Fire in Buchach Eparchy

BUCHACH – On July 14 in the village Postolivka of the Buchach Eparchy of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, at around 10 a.m., unknown people set fire to the house of a local priest, Fr. Mikhail Pylypiv, by throwing a bottle that was on fire in the window. Fortunately, the wife of the priest put out the fire in time, though she got burns and deep cuts from the broken glass. She is currently in the hospital.

The press service of the Buchach Eparchy reports that Fr. Mikhail did not have enemies among the local residents. Recently he had been engaged in preparing documents for the acquisition of a land plot in the village Rashtivtsi for the Spiritual Center of the Buchach Eparchy. But the priest encountered strong opposition, which was openly expressed by “Ridnoviry,” who live nearby. Fr. Mikhail repeatedly heard threats of physical violence from them.

The law enforcement authorities are currently investigating the act of arson, which put under threat not only the health but also the life of the family members of Fr. Mikhail.