Patriarch Filaret issues order about church-wide prayer for Nadiya Savchenko and other prisoners

For many months the Kyiv Patriarchate has been praying for the release of Ukrainiansoldiers and civilians taken captive by Russian- terrorist forces.

Due to the increased threat to life of Nadiya Savchenko, who is illegally detained in Russia, Patriarch Filaret blessed to intensify prayers for her release and for the release of all prisoners and hostages taken by Russia and its collaborators in Crimea and Donbas. The Patriarch then issues a church-wide order:

 “I bless toraiseduring worship an additional prayer request at the triple Litanyfor prisonersin parishes and monasteries of the Kyiv Patriarchate:

- O Christ God that frees the poor from the violent and rescues the helpless, the compassionate, look down at thy servants –our brothers and sisters in Russia, in Crimea and Donbas who are in trouble, in exile, in bondage or chains, release them by You mercy, we pray unto Youwith sincere heart, hear us and have mercy.

It is blessed to mention during this prayer the names of prisoners unlawfully detained in Russia:Nadiya Savchenko, Oleg Sentsov, Oleksandr Kolchenko, Mykola Karpyuk, Stanislav Klyha and other prisoners, captives and hostages - Ukrainian military personnel and civilians.

According to the press center of the Kyiv Patriarchate, Patriarch Filaret issued this order on March 7, 2016.