News.Kyiv.Me.

By Slade Sohmer

January 24, 2014 at 1:51 pm

If you thought these post-apocalyptic photos from the Ukraine this week were some of the most amazing images captured by photographers on the ground in Kyiv, get a load of these scene-stealing shots of Orthodox priests praying for peace in between the line aggression-heavy police and furious protesters. Badasses.

Protesters clean tires from the street as Orthodox priests pray standing between pro-European Union activists and police lines in central Kyiv, Ukraine, early Friday, Jan. 24, 2014. A top Ukrainian opposition leader on Thursday urged protesters to maintain a shaky cease-fire with police after at least two demonstrators were killed in clashes this week, but some in the crowd appeared defiant, jeering and chanting “revolution” and “shame.” (AP Photo/Sergei Grits)

Not to say that this priestly tactic is responsible, but there has been some movement here:

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich, in what appeared to be an offer of major concessions to the opposition amid mass protests against his rule, pledged on Friday to reshuffle the government next week and to amend sweeping anti-protest laws.

In comments to church leaders, reported by Interfax news agency, Yanukovich said key decisions would be made at a special session of parliament scheduled to take place next Tuesday.

“We will take a decision at this session. The president will sign a decree and we will reshuffle the government in order to find the best possible professional government team,” he said.

Correlation does not imply causation, but it’s hard not to root for these priests’ desired outcome.

Priests of different faiths pray during clashes with police in central Kyiv, Ukraine, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2014. Thick black smoke from burning tires engulfed parts of downtown Kyiv as an ultimatum issued by the opposition to the president to call early elections or face street rage was set to expire with no sign of a compromise on Thursday. (AP Photo/Sergei Chuzavkov)

SEE ALSO:
• Ukraine Protest Photo or Post-Apocalyptic Video Game Cover?
• Protester Sprays Former Heavyweight Champ With Fire Extinguisher, Lives to Tell About It

Orthodox priests pray as they stand between pro-European Union activists and police lines in central Kyiv, Ukraine, early Friday, Jan. 24, 2014. A top Ukrainian opposition leader on Thursday urged protesters to maintain a shaky cease-fire with police after at least two demonstrators were killed in clashes this week, but some in the crowd appeared defiant, jeering and chanting “revolution” and “shame.” (AP Photo/Sergei Grits)

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Tags > AP, European Union, Kyiv, Priests, Protests, Religion, Ukraine–>