Defense: During the search, Metropolitan Jonathan was given false leaflets
Metropolitan Jonathan. Photo: vinnitsa.info
On June 25, 2023, during a meeting of the Vinnytsia City Court in the case of Metropolitan Jonathan (Yeletsky) of Tulchyn and Bratslav, the lawyers of the UOC hierarch stated that during the search, false leaflets were planted on Metropolitan Jonathan, the press service of the Tulchyn Eparchy reports.
The meeting was devoted to viewing a video recording of a search by employees of the Vinnytsia regional SBU and police of two residential premises in the city of Bershad. The viewing and discussion lasted about four hours. Journalists from Vinnytsia media were present.
“Based on the results of viewing the video recording of the search, the defense unanimously stated that there are undoubtedly all the signs of committing a group official crime: namely, the planting of fabricated material evidence (anti-Ukrainian leaflets) by employees of state investigative bodies designed to discredit both Metropolitan Jonathan and to deliver an informational blow to the canonical UOC, of which he has been an authoritative bishop for several decades,” the statement said.
The next open meeting of the Vinnytsia City Court is scheduled for July 3, 2023 at 10:30.
Earlier, Metropolitan Jonathan noted that he is accused of being the biggest villain in Ukraine.
Read also
Chernivtsi bishop consecrates new altar for persecuted Kerstentsi community
In Kerstentsi, believers built a new Transfiguration Church after the previous one was seized by OCU supporters.
Monastic tonsure held at Krasnohorsky All Saints Monastery
Novice Vadym Serkhovets took monastic vows with the name Euthymius.
Over 25,000 faithful pray at Romanian Nicula Monastery on Dormition feast
Thousands of pilgrims walked a 7-kilometer procession to the Nicula Monastery for the feast.
OCU cleric allows attending Uniate churches
OCU cleric Oleksii Filiuk, responding to the question of whether an Orthodox Christian can become a parishioner of a Uniate church, stated that God is one, and one can attend whichever church is closer.
US police detain participants of anti-Islamic demonstration
Police detained protesters following clashes during the "Christian Crusaders March" rally.
Mokrets authorities seek to halt construction of UOC church on private land
After the seizure of the Dormition Church, believers began constructing a new prayer building; however, local authorities are now demanding that the legality of the construction be verified.