Russian forces have been accused by the head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church of committing ‘genocide’ in the city of Mariupol in Ukraine.
Newsroom (23/03/ 18:00 Gaudium Press) The city of Mariupol in southeastern Ukraine – known as the ‘City of Mary‘ – lies in ruins following bombing by Russian forces. Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk has accused Russia of committing genocide in the city, stating that people there are dying not only from enemy weapons and hunger, but also from hatred.
While Russian officials deny that civilians are being targeted, it is reported that within the city of Mariupol, bombs have fallen on a maternity clinic, an art school sheltering hundreds of residents, and a theater where many others had sought refuge.
Archbishop Shevchuk says that especially in southern Ukraine, people are protesting against the Russian invaders, whom he calls “their oppressors and murderers.” The Archbishop is asking for prayers for the people who are being deported from Ukraine to Russia, referring to “a wave of forcible deportation of Ukrainian citizens to a foreign state.”
The Archbishop has claimed in his earlier messages that churches were being destroyed in the war, that over 40 churches and religious buildings have been destroyed. Catholics in the Ukraine are preparing for the consecration of their country to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, when the Pope on 25 March, along with the bishops, makes the consecration of both Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart.
Asking for the intercession of Mary Most Holy, the Archbishop prayed:
“Receive under your protection our Ukrainian people. As a good Mother, help to be victorious over the war in Ukraine.“
Compiled by Sandra Chisholm
