‘Cross Procession’ Attendees to Pass Metal Detectors and Passport Control

Metal detectors and passport control points will be established in Kyiv for the participants of the Cross Procession of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate, Prosecutor General Yuriy Lutsenko said on 112 Channel on Saturday, July 23.

Lutsenko said that together with the Head of the National Police of Ukraine Khatia Dekanoidze and the Head of SBU Vasyl Hrytsak they have developed comprehensive solutions necessary for ensuring law and order during the procession.

"We will do everything in our power to ensure the right of people to come and pray, to ensure safety during this procession. All pilgrims will be go through metal detectors, we will have passport control, to ensure there are no foreigners and provocateurs. Many police guards will be involved," Lutsenko said.

At the same time, Lutsenko said that he personally doesn’t understand why someone would "pray for peace in the country that fell victim to aggression, not in the country that is the aggressor." He also addressed the patriotic organizations that plan to prevent the procession from entering Kyiv: "In my opinion, the best way to express your feelings would be to join the Ukrainian procession organized on July 28, initiated by Patriarch [of Kyiv and All Rus’—Ukraine] Filaret."

Lutsenko said that he considers himself a Christian, and will join Filaret’s procession, although does not belong to any of the patriarchates.

The National Cross Procession was organized by the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate for the Baptism anniversary of the Ukraine—Rus. It started on July 3, and is expected to finish on July 28 in Kyiv with the Divine Liturgy, after processions of Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate and Kyiv Patriarchate unite.

Source: Ukrayinska Pravda