SBU searches monasteries of Ovruch Eparchy of UOC
SBU officers came to the UOC monastery. Photo: Facebook page of the Security Service of Ukraine in the Zhytomyr Region
On December 8, 2022, the SBU came with searches to the monasteries in the Korosten district of the Ovruch Eparchy – the Chopovychi Convent, the Monastery of the Kazan icon of the Mother of God, and the Skete of St. Siluan of Athos, reports the press service of the Security Service of Ukraine in the Zhytomyr region on its Facebook page.
The purpose of the searches, the security service said, is to "uncover subversive activities of the Russian special services in the religious environment" of Ukraine and to counteract these activities.
The SBU officers are checking "religious communities affiliated with centres of influence in Russia" and are looking for people in holy cloisters who might be involved in "illegal activities" as well as "items banned for circulation on the territory of Ukraine".
The press service stressed in a statement that "all actions are taking place within the framework of the current legislation and in pursuance of the relevant instruction of the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine".
Earlier, the SBU reported searches of the UOC in Cherkasy, Volyn and Kherson regions.
Read also
Former OCU priest: There can be no talk of dialogue amid brutal violence
Fr. Andriy Shymanovych, a former OCU priest who returned to the UOC, emphasized that “dialogue” in the context of lies and violence is pure hypocrisy.
Varash authorities report visit of “inspection commission” to UOC cathedral
The UOC’s Transfiguration Cathedral in Varash is under threat of seizure.
Zelensky plans to attend Inaugural Mass of Pope Leo
Zelensky is expected to hold key meetings on the sidelines of the Vatican inauguration.
Russian Orthodox priest killed in Ukraine while fighting as a volunteer
An ROC priest serving as a Russian soldier was killed by a drone.
Priest explains why he returned from OCU to UOC
Fr. Andriy Shymanovych returned to the Church at a very difficult time for it.
Vadym Novynskyi to sue Zelensky for defamation
The former MP also stated that, in light of Zelensky’s remarks, he would disclose “certain details that do no credit to him or to many people in his inner circle.”