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.

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