SBU declares suspicion in absentia to Metropolitan Panteleimon of Luhansk
Metropolitan Panteleimon (Povorozniuk). Photo: Sviatohirsk Lavra
On January 12, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) notified Metropolitan Panteleimon of Luhansk and Alchevsk in absentia about suspicion of aiding the aggressor state (Part 1, Article 111-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine), according to the agency's website.
The SBU notes that according to the investigation, in September 2022, Metropolitan Panteleimon attended a ceremony related to the so-called unification of temporarily occupied regions of Ukraine with the Russian Federation. He also participated in a "round table" under the leadership of the "authorities" of the occupied city.
Metropolitan Panteleimon is also accused of spreading fakes against Ukrainian military personnel and glorifying Russian military personnel in interviews.
Due to the fact that the accused is currently based in the temporarily occupied territory, the SBU notes that comprehensive measures are being taken to hold Metropolitan Panteleimon accountable.
As reported previously, on August 17, 2021, at a meeting of the Holy Synod, Metropolitan Panteleimon (Povorozniuk) was appointed the administrator of the Luhansk Diocese of the UOC.
Read also
DESS expert: Phanar Exarch asked bail for Chernyshov under pressure from SBU
A religious-studies commentator aligned with the OCU said the scandalous appearance of the Bishop of Comana – offering to stand surety for an official accused of large-scale corruption – was prompted by the SBU.
Persecuted UOC cathedral community holds worship in new premises
The persecuted UOC community in Volodymyr continues its liturgical life, gathering for prayer in a makeshift space.
Charismatic pastor urges “re-baptizing” UOC faithful to sever ties with RF
A Ukrainian Protestant pastor said he considers baptisms in the UOC invalid and called on Orthodox believers to undergo the rite again.
OCU “bishop”: UOC celebrates Christmas on January 7 to divide Ukrainians
Firley believes it is not those imposing the new calendar style who are dividing Ukrainian society, but those who have remained on the old one.
UOC church rector killed by shelling in Hryshyne village
In Donetsk Region, Archpriest Vasyl Kiyko – who had served for many years in a frontline village – was killed during shelling.
Cabinet extends religious communities’ use of state property to up to 50 years
The government has changed the rules for transferring religious sites, increasing contract terms and establishing priority for communities that have already been using the churches.