UOC (MP) comment on attempted murder of Kyiv priest

Rector of the Holy Martyr Tatiana Church, who suffered a murder attempt on Sunday night, July 26, is now in a very serious condition in the intensive care unit of one of Kyivhospitals.

Head of the Information Department of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) Bishop Klyment of Irpin was reported as saying the following by the UOC Information Center.

“According to police officers, two unknown waylaid Father Roman at his entrance. When the priest was there, the perpetrators inflicted gun wounds to his head. So it was quite an aimed shot. Father Roman was not robbed. Attackers left the priest bleed on the stairs at the entrance,” said Bishop Klyment.

According to him, Father Roman was known as a good priest who loved the congregation.

“Father Roman is now in a very serious condition in intensive therapy ward. Doctors do not give any guarantees. The bullets remain in the skull; they touched vital parts of the brain. They were not removed, as doctors are afraid it may cause death.

We pray that the Lord heals Father Roman and we offer support to his family. We also hope that the police will investigate impartially and find all those responsible for this crime, which shocked the Kyiv residents,” said the bishop.

One version of the attack on the priest isthat his apartment was visited by thieves. Currently, law enforcement officers areinvestigating into the details of the crime.