(second from right), along with two archbishops.
Photo: Catholic.by
Two Catholic priests who had been convicted and sentenced to more than 10 years in prison were pardoned and freed from a Belarusian labour camp on November 20th. State media claimed that the church leaders, who were granted clemency by President Alexander Lukashenko, had been "convicted of serious crimes against the state, as well as other crimes."
Father Henryk Okolotovich served as the priest of St. Joseph's Church in Volozhin, a town located near the country's capital of Minsk. He was arrested in November 2023, and then sentenced for treason one year later. During his imprisonment, the Soviet Union's KGB officers approached him on multiple occasions to offer freedom in exchange for planting evidence against the Vatican's nuncio (official state representative). The priest refused each time.
Father Andrei Marianovich Yukhnevich was arrested on May 8th, 2024. Originally, he was given a short-term sentence for posting an image of a Ukrainian flag on his Facebook page. Following this initial sentence, Father Andrei was then subjected to fabricated accusations of committing sexual abuse against minors, resulting in an extended sentence of 13 years in prison. Other reports referencing his crimes against the state reflect the questionable nature of the added allegations.
While the presidential pardons for the two church leaders were unexpected, it is unknown whether these priests will be allowed to return to their ministerial roles. Upon their release, they were taken to the airport for flights to Rome where both of them are presently staying. To review further reports, outlining the Belarusian government's harsh regulations regarding religious registration and practice, go to our Belarus profile.
- In addition to thanking God for the unexpected release of Father Henryk and Father Andrei, please pray that He would minister healing and restoration in each of their lives following the ordeals of their trials and imprisonment.
- Continue to pray for other Christians who are currently imprisoned in Belarus because of their faith, asking the Lord to sustain them with His strength, peace and hope.
- Pray for wisdom on behalf of church leaders throughout the country as they faithfully minister under oppressive restrictions – asking the Holy Spirit to not only inspire them with innovative ways of sharing the Gospel, but to also provide further opportunities for their congregations to meet the spiritual and practical needs of those in their communities.
