Saskatchewan priest accused of sexual assault of a minor takes the stand [Video]

Saskatoon priest Janko Kolosnjaji took the stand Friday at his sexual assault trial.

Kolosnjaji is accused of sexually assaulting a minor in 2023 at St. George Ukrainian Catholic Church.  He has pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The incident in question occurred in March of that year.

Earlier in the trial court heard a video statement from the alleged victim, who is a 13-year-old girl.  It was translated from Ukrainian to English for the court.

Court heard the girl was cleaning the church with her mother and brother, a job her mom had secured after fleeing the war in Ukraine.

In the video, recorded on March 12, 2023, she said her family were in different areas of the church when Kolosnjaji approached her and asked for a hug.

Court heard she said nothing and hugged him, saying he would often ask for hugs. She then alleged Father Kolosnjaji lifted her …