This Ukrainian Priest Is An Example Of His Country’s Determination
Michael R. Pompeo
New York Post
February 27, 2022
The Ukrainian Orthodox Church has proven, and continues to prove, a bulwark of freedom and faith even as the ruthless Vladimir Putin destroys lives, families, and the religious traditions of the people of Ukraine. One of the quiet heroes of this resistance is a dear friend of mine and my wife, Susan, Father Oleg Sknar.
Today, Father Oleg continues to minister to his flock even as missiles and rockets rain down around the capital of Kyiv. Indeed, around his church. He prays for his parishioners; he prays for all Ukrainians. He prays for the peoples of the world to unite against tyranny and the tragedy that is the conflict now tearing up history and Ukraine. Indeed, he prays for the people of Russia, too, as they have lived under this jack-booted thug for far too long.
Father Oleg not only leads his faithful as they seek succor from him. Father Oleg also has built and operates a military hospital that tends to the wounded returning from the front lines adjacent to his church building. He thus provides both spiritual and physical support for the people he loves so much.
Priest stands up to Russia
I first visited Father Oleg back in 2015. He had opened his church to provide medical care for Ukrainians who had fought and been injured in the freedom efforts in the city center of Kyiv, the Maidan, not more than a few blocks from his church.
Read the full op-hed HERE.