Police report filed against activists who disrupted the standing near Lavra
Activist of the OCU “mage Belial” near the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra. Photo: screenshot of the video of the Telegram channel “Myriany”
On September 13, 2023, lawyers wrote a statement to the police against OCU activists who insulted believers and the clergy of the UOC, as well as their religious views at a prayer standing near the Lavra. The Lavra’s lawyer, Archpriest Nikita Chekman, wrote about this in his Telegram channel.
He said that the activists committed illegal actions under the leadership of the “mage Belial,” who was spotted at protests near the sanctity on multiple occasions.
According to the lawyer, these activists not only insulted believers but also used loudspeakers to broadcast calls that defamed religious convictions into the ears of participants in the standing.
"At present, the Pechersk Regional Police Department in Kyiv is expected to provide information to the Unified Register of Pre-trial Investigations under Article 214 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine for signs of a criminal offense provided for in Part 1 of Article 180 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (obstruction of a religious rite)," he wrote.
The penalty under the article provides for imprisonment for up to two years.
As the UOJ reported, a UOC believer said that the police allow hooligans to commit outrages at the Lavra with the consent of the authorities.
Read also
SBU told Phanar many UOC bishops would join OCU in 2018, report says
According to a Phanar representative’s account, Ukrainian security services told the Constantinople delegation that many UOC representatives were prepared to attend the OCU’s “Unification Council.” In the end, only two did.
Catholic cardinal visits Ukrainian POWs during trip to Russia
During three days of consultations in Moscow, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi discussed prospects for ending the war in Ukraine.
Ukrainians help restore Serbian Orthodox church in Paris
Orthodox Ukrainians have become regular parishioners of St. Sava Church in Paris and have taken part in its restoration.
Bulgarian Church clergy and laity oppose Phanar head’s visit
More than 2,000 clergy and laity have called for the Ecumenical Patriarch’s visit to be canceled, citing disagreement with his actions and concerns that the visit could legitimize schism.
Unknown intruders break down doors at two UOC churches in Sloviansk
Archbishop Paisiy said OCU activists are suspected of breaking into the churches in Sloviansk, and police have launched an investigation.
Sviatohirsk Lavra prays for murdered monk on 40th day after death
The brethren of the Sviatohirsk Lavra held a memorial service for murdered Monk Varsonofiy, calling on the faithful to pray for the newly departed monk.