SBU accuses Russia of instigating seizures of churches in Ukraine

Deputy Head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) Viktor Kononenko

Such actions will make it possible to further incite violent confrontations and mass protests with the participation of believers. This opinion was expressed by the deputy head of the Security Service of Ukraine Viktor Kononenko at a briefing on October 3 in Kiev, reports Interfax-Ukraine.

According to him, Russia’s plan is aimed at “creating the so-called controlled chaos. As the main directions today, we see incitement of interfaith enmity as a result of the possibility of Ukraine’s receiving the Tomos, as well as the organization of events of active influence in order to induce the Ukrainian leadership to concessions to the aggressor state and initiate peaceful negotiations on favourable terms.” 

In this case, the SBU is expecting "instigating the seizures of religious buildings of one of the confessions, allegedly by representatives of right-wing nationalist organizations, which will allow them to further inspire power confrontations and mass protests with the participation of believers".

As the UOJ reported, earlier the deputy head of the Security Service of Ukraine Viktor Kononenko stated that interfaith conflicts and the seizures of churches in Ukraine were artificially created.

Read also

Novynskyi: Monk’s murder stems from hatred fueled against UOC

UOC Protodeacon Vadym Novynskyi said the murder of Monk Varsonofiy at the Sviatohirsk Lavra was a manifestation of hatred, lawlessness and persecution of the Church.

Serbian Church in US denies reports of involvement in honoring Zelensky

The Eastern American Diocese of the Serbian Church commented on reports alleging that Bishop Irinej would take part in presenting an award to the Ukrainian president.

OCU cleric calls UOC an “enemy” and urges unity with Greek Catholics

An OCU cleric said the presence of the UOC in Ukraine amounts to the “presence of the enemy” and called for unification with Greek Catholics.

DESS finds Zaporizhzhia Eparchy affiliated with ROC

Ukraine’s State Service for Ethnopolitics identified three signs of ties between the administration of the UOC’s Zaporizhzhia Eparchy and the ROC through the Kyiv Metropolia.

UOC choir director and catechist school in Dnipro opens enrollment

The theological school at the St. Tikhvin Convent in Dnipro has opened enrollment in three specialties.

Serbian president visits Transfiguration Monastery in Kozji Dol

Aleksandar Vučić visited the Orthodox monastery in Kozji Dol and discussed the situation of Serbs in the south of the country.