In Uzhgorod, the Uniate priest Roman Kurakh, during a sermon, stated the need for reconciliation of the “beautiful peoples of Russia and Ukraine.”

“And we very much ask the Lord to do this miracle: to reconcile these two great peoples – Ukraine and Russia. So that these two peoples do not collide, do not torture, destroy, kill each other. But for these two wonderful peoples to build the kingdom of heaven already here on earth and once together they entered heaven, embraced and glorified the Lord for all eternity for many and good years,” the priest said.

But the words of the sermon were heard by the activist, journalist and “producer at BBC News” Daria Sipigina, after which she went into the altar with two companions and made a scandal for Kurakh. She also posted a recording of the sermon and communication with the priest in a Facebook post.

“You said that Ukrainians and Russians are fraternal peoples, and you are raising your voice at me,” Sipigina says.

“Yes, I am. Because you climb into the altar when I pray and don’t let me take the Holy (Communion, – Ed),” the priest replied and added that his brother was fighting in the airborne troops of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

“Do you bless our enemies?” Sipigina was indignant.

“I bless, it was Jesus who said it, not me,” the priest replied and asked what she would like to hear from him.

“I would like you not to say that,” the activist replied.