After more than 19 months in Russian captivity, Ukrainian priests Father Ivan Levytskyi and Father Bohdan Geleta are finally free. Their release on June 28, 2024, marks a significant moment for the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church and its followers worldwide.
The two priests, members of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, were arrested in Berdiansk in November 2022. Their detention occurred while they were fulfilling their pastoral duties in the temporarily occupied territories.
Reports suggest that they suffered under extremely harsh conditions and were even subjected to torture during their captivity.
The release of the priests was made possible by intense diplomatic efforts, including those of the Apostolic See and direct appeals to Pope Francis. These efforts highlighted the global support for the two clergymen and the importance of religious freedom.
In an emotional welcome, the two priests were received by Bishop Andriy Khimyak and Father Oleksa Petriv, who had visited them in prison. Their release was celebrated as a triumph of faith and hope. The head of the Greek Catholic Church in Ukraine, His Beatitude Sviatoslav, expressed his deep gratitude.
In an official statement, he thanked the Apostolic See and particularly Pope Francis, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and the entire diplomatic corps
of the Vatican for their tireless efforts. The release of Father Levytskyi and Father Geleta reminds us of the ongoing difficulties and the suffering that the conflict in Ukraine causes. At the same time, it is a sign of hope and spiritual strength that the Ukrainian community shows even in the
toughest times.