Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, His Beatitude Sviatoslav, has called for the implementation of Pope Francis's proposed exchange of "all for all," at least regarding three categories of Ukrainians: women, medical workers, and clergy.
This was reported by the Information Department of the UGCC.
The head of the Church made this call in his weekly video address on the eve of Easter, according to the Julian calendar.
"As Christians of Ukraine, we realize that we cannot fully honor the sufferings of our Savior, His wounds if we do not serve, help those who suffer today, endure, those who are literally in the hell of war, particularly in the hell of Russian captivity and daily tortures," he emphasized.
The Head of the UGCC noted that special attention during Holy Week will be directed towards Ukrainian brothers and sisters in Russian captivity.
"The words of Pope Francis, proclaimed on Easter day according to the Latin calendar about the exchange of 'all for all,' found a special response in the hearts both in Ukraine and in Russia. And we want these words to become a call to action," said His Beatitude Sviatoslav.
The Head of the UGCC called for the exchange of three categories of Ukrainian captives:
Women prisoners of war: "Let us do everything possible to have all women prisoners of war released. I want all women's organizations to hear me: religious, civic, and those who care about the dignity of women in the modern world, regardless of ideological orientation. Let us do everything so that a woman is liberated from captivity, whether in Ukraine or in Russia so that on Easter, she returns to her family, home."
Medical workers: "Let us do everything possible for medical workers to return home, for there to be an Easter exchange of all doctors, nurses, who according to international law are not combatants. I call on international medical organizations, including Médecins Sans Frontières, to make every effort for doctors to return from captivity to their families, to perform their professional duties."
Clergy: "Let us do everything possible for the captive clergy of Ukraine — we know about 10 people — to return to their communities and churches. I appeal to the international religious community: can't the whole world strive so that on Easter, those 10 clergy sing 'Christ is Risen' in their churches?"
In this context, the Head of the UGCC also addressed the faithful of the Russian Orthodox Church: "I know that people in Russia also hear us. This call by Pope Francis has found a deep response in the hearts of ordinary Russians. We know that Russian Orthodox believers will honor and kiss the icon of Christ 'Descent into Hell' on Easter. Let us all, Christians, stand by the side of Christ's hand that will pull our brothers and sisters, women, doctors, and clergy out of hell."
His Beatitude Sviatoslav called for joint efforts to release Ukrainian captives: "We know that about 8,000 Ukrainian servicemen and 1,600 civilians are currently held in Russian captivity, in hellish conditions. Let us do everything possible so that step by step, the exchange of 'all for all' becomes an Easter reality."
"God bless this noble, holy cause! God bless the suffering Ukrainian people! Lord Jesus Christ, who goes through suffering, death, and resurrection, teach Christians of the third millennium to honor Your passions not only in words but also by suffering with the people of our time, to be Your worthy disciples, preachers, bearers of this bright, joyful hope of resurrection!" concluded the Head of the UGCC.