Orthodox priest blesses Russian troops around #Crimea base in #Ukraine. Will he be ashing them tomorrow as well? pic.twitter.com/zo0lcGSoNC
— Elie Fares (@eliefares) March 2, 2014
The striking photo of a Russian Orthodox priest and his entourage at the Perevalne military base standoff in Crimea had many observers seeing red this morning.
Priest + Ru Orthodox choir sing chants, prayers outside surrounded #ukraine base, while 2 armies stand-off #crimea pic.twitter.com/nnC4IhKyEL
— James Mates (@jamesmatesitv) March 2, 2014
https://twitter.com/AMajster/status/440096676876140544
Jesus wept. @lindseyhilsum: Orthodox priest blessing Russian troops surrounding Ukraine military base in #Crimea. http://t.co/FRZOO5tSyU
— Terry Moran (@TerryMoran) March 2, 2014
https://twitter.com/samneill94/status/440105968248971264
But a reporter on scene who tweeted the photo notes that the priest explained he wasn’t favoring the Russian troops over the Ukrainians:
The Orthodox priest was there as well. His aim, he told me, was not to bless the Russian forces above the Ukrainians, but to bless them both and pray for peace. That’s something many people in the Ukraine will be doing today.
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She’s right about that.
This last Sun of Epiphany our prayers are ones of peace today. Particularly we pray for peace in the Ukraine. Our world is too small #peace
— Church of the Incarnation (Anglican) (@incaoakville) March 2, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with our Ukrainian friends from ESL who have family and friends still in the Ukraine. Pray for peace. ?
— Kimberly Waldie (@Kjwaldie) March 2, 2014
Prayers for #Ukraine. I still remember hearing the Kiev Symphony Orchestra on tour in US in '98. Wonderful people & musicians. #peace
— Sean Greene, DMA (@362571harmony) March 2, 2014
Prayers for peace and democracy #Ukraine pic.twitter.com/CmZHtfje6b
— ?Halya? (@Halya27) March 1, 2014
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