About two hundred of Odessa residents gathered in Gretska square at prayer in memory of Ukrainian patriots Igor Ivanov and Andriy Biryukov killed on May 2, 2014.
According to the correspondent of “Dumskaya”, two hours before the event, Gretska square was surrounded by the National Guard and police officers. Law enforcement officers explained their actions by saying that before the action they were checking the area for explosives.
Half an hour before the action the people were allowed to the square, after the metal detector checks.
The interfaith prayer service was attended by about a dozen representatives of clergy, including those of the Kyivan Patriarchate, Ukrainian Greek Catholic, Lutheran and Armenian churches. During the memorial event the people inclined flags, many knelt.
During the event the clergy emphasized that they were praying for all the victims who gave their lives for the independence of Ukraine – the Revolution of dignity and ATO. The speakers noted that the independence was once received “for free, but now we have to pay for it” in the trenches in the east. The song ‘Plyve Kacha’ was performed, which became the musical symbol of the Maidan. A photoexposition “Undeclared War” was held to exhibit the pictures taken in the ATO area.
After the prayer for the deceased patriots the activists went to the place of their death – (the corner of Deribasovskaya and Preobrazhenska streets), where previously a plaque was installed in memory of Igor Ivanov.
The priests consecrated a plate, the protesters laid flowers and then returned to Greek square where they lit lamps arranged in the form of a trident.
The priests of the UOC (MP) prayed alone for the repose of the victims of the May tragedy. So, with the blessing of Metropolitan Agathangel (UOC (MP), Bishop Diodor of Yuzhne performed the funeral service at the site where the first victims of the May tragedy in Preobrazhenska street. Then, according to the information and education department of the UOC, with reference to the press service of the Odessa diocese, Bishop Diodor and clergy came to Kulikovo field, where on May 2, 2014 several dozen pro-Russian separatists from Odessa were killed. Here the clergy of the UOC (MP) celebrated the funeral service and laid flowers.
On this day, on May 2, funeral prayers were held for the victims of May 2, 2014 with the blessing of Metropolitan Agathangel in all churches of the diocese of Odessa.