SBU finds two communists among UOC clerics
SBU officers and a UOC cleric. Photo: ssu.gov.ua
On 27 February 2024, the SBU said that it had handed suspicions to two clerics of the UOC in the Transcarpathian region who "were ideological fans of the communist regime and spread propaganda of the former USSR".
According to the SBU press service, the UOC clerics "published enemy content, communist symbols and Soviet slogans" on their pages on social networks.
In addition, according to the security service, expert examinations carried out on their initiative "confirmed the facts of the clerics' criminal activity".
The SBU also said that during the search, their officers identified mobile phones and computer equipment that the clerics used to "propagate Kremlin narratives".
"Based on the evidence collected, both clerics were notified of suspicion under Part 1 of Article 436-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (distribution of communist symbols and propaganda of the communist totalitarian regime). The attackers face up to 5 years of imprisonment with confiscation of property," says the SBU press service.
Earlier, a priest in Transcarpathia was reportedly suspected of communism propaganda.
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.