A large group of priests was rounded up by the chekists in Kiev, in a house by the Dnieper. And
it was proposed to them that they recognize Metropolitan Sergius as the head of that "church"
which recognized the God-fighting, anti-christian State.
A chekist gave a short speech: "Whoever does not do this and recognize Metropolitan Sergius
and does not submit to him is an enemy of the people and of the Soviet State. For such as these
our speech will be short. Everything has already been prepared!"
When he had said this, he pointed with his hand to a platform planked on the sides and with a roof
on top leading down to the waters of the Dnieper. After this he began to call out each priest in
turn and put to him the question: "Do you recognize Metropolitan Sergius, who is recognized by
the Soviet authorities, as head of the Russian Orthodox Church? Will you sign that you are obliged
to obey the metropolitan?"
Whoever replied with a refusal had his hands tied behind his back and was led away onto the
covered footbridge. After some time a courageous martyr of Christ appeared on the open
platform. "And we saw," recounted one of the priests, "how the chekists, going into the water
behind him, pushed him down, and he did not appear above the water again."
All those who were faithful to Christ God and refused to betray Him and sign were thrown into
the water and drowned, leaving only the fainthearted, who signed. It was one of those who told
this story. He wept, bowing his head low. Then he said goodbye and left.
the water and drowned, leaving only the fainthearted, who signed. It was one of those who told
this story. He wept, bowing his head low. Then he said goodbye and left.