by Emilios Polygenis
There was a great deal of chaos and disorder at Boryspil Airport in Kiev on the morning of Thursday, February 14.
Information indicates that Bishop Gideon was arrested in Kiev immediately after his arrival from his trip to the United States.
It is noteworthy that a few days ago, Bishop Gideon sent an official request from the Church of Ukraine of the Patriarchate of Moscow to US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Congress members.
The Ukrainian aviation security control reported that the Bishop was arrested because he had problems with his documents, and he did not report the loss of his passport.
“They led me into the airplane as if I were a criminal. This is what we call religious pressure,” Bishop Gideon said.
The fact was also commented by the Church of Russia, stressing that Bishop Gideon was persecuted because he recently briefed the US Congress on the persecutions of the canonical Church of Ukraine.
Furthermore, the Patriarchate of Moscow hoped that the US would not ignore the expulsion of an American citizen, since Bishop Gideon has the American citizenship.
“I think what happened to Bishop Gideon is primarily a matter of concern for the US because the Bishop is also an American citizen. US authorities are known for paying particular attention to violations of American citizens’ rights,” stated the Church of Russia.
