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Ukranian-American pastor allegedly kidnapped by Russian forces freed, says family

by Kelly Valencia
Pastor Dmitry Bodyu.png - Banner image
@ps_dbodyu

The family of a Ukranian-American pastor who was allegedly kidnapped by Russian forces earlier this month, says he has been let go. 

Pastor Dmitry Bodyu was reportedly taken by a group of eight to ten Russian soldiers on the 19th March from his house in Melitopol, one of the first cities to fall after the invasion started. 

The group entered the house and questioned Pastor Dmitry while going through his social media before taking him without any belongings, according to his family. 

They didn't hear any news from him until his release this week. 

Pastor Dmitry's wife, Helen Bodyu took to social media to share the news.

"Dear friends! Thank you all very much for your prayers!!! Dmitry is at home," Mrs Bodyu wrote on Facebook. 

"Everything is fine with him. Thank you for your participation, for your experiences, help and love! God bless !!! Thank God!" 

The 50-year-old was has been leading World of Life Church In Melitopol for several years and travels across Ukraine, training pastors and ministers.

Pastor Dmitry's sister, Olesya Griffith Griffith, who is based in Texas, also took to Facebook to share her happiness and relief. 

"My brother has been released and is now home with his family in Ukraine! Praise God and thank you for your prayers!!"

The family has not disclosed any details of his release. 

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