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

Hierarchs of four Local Churches celebrate Liturgy in North Macedonia

Hierarchs of the Romanian, Serbian and Bulgarian Orthodox Churches and the Ohrid Archbishopric concelebrated services at the Osogovo Monastery.

Met. Longin: Sviatohirsk killing is a pain for all Orthodox Christians

The hierarch called on the Local Orthodox Churches to support the Ukrainian Orthodox Church through prayer.

UOC Primate celebrates Divine Liturgy at Holosiiv Monastery

Metropolitan Onuphry blessed students at the start of the new academic year.

Polish Constitutional Court rules registration of same-sex marriage unlawful

The judges unanimously struck down a Digital Affairs Ministry directive recognizing same-sex unions.

Jerusalem bishop on Sviatohirsk: A society that kills monks is defenseless

A hierarch of the Jerusalem Church commented to the UOJ on the killing of Monk Varsonofiy at the Sviatohirsk Lavra and called for the investigation to be pursued to its conclusion.

Chief rabbi: Jews feel safer in Ukraine than even in U.S.

According to Ukraine’s chief rabbi, Jews in the West are often forced to conceal their background and religious identity.