Belarus: Fr. Andrzej JUCHNIEWICZ, OMI
Sentenced to 13 Years in Prison

We regret to inform you that on April 30, 2025, Father Andrzej JUCHNIEWICZ, OMI, pastor of Our Lady of Fatima in Shumilino (Vitebsk diocese) in Belarus, was sentenced to 13 years of imprisonment.

The sentence is not final, and his lawyer has confirmed that an appeal will be submitted.

Father Andrzej, a member of the Congregation of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, also served as chairman of the Conference of Major Superiors of Men’s Orders in Belarus. He was detained on May 8, 2024, for political reasons. Initial charges related to so-called subversive actions were later expanded to include alleged criminal offenses.

The trial was held behind closed doors, without media or public presence. Father Andrzej consistently denies all accusations. The faithful community of the parish in Shumilino expressed support for their pastor, emphasizing his many years of impeccable service.

We ask for prayers for Fr. Andrzej JUCHNIEWICZ and the faithful of the parish he served.

By Robert Grabka, OMI

Published on the OMI World website