Court closes fraud case against pastor of Adelaja's Sect
Pastor of Sandei Adelaja's Sect, Serhiy Lardugin. Photo: X
The Railway District Court of Lviv has closed the case against Serhiy Lardugin, pastor of the "Embassy of God" sect, who was suspected of fraud and money laundering, reports Zahid.net.
The case was closed due to the statute of limitations, which expired in August 2023. It was reported that Lardugin was one of four leaders of Sandei Adelaja's sect, and they defrauded Lviv residents of 3.6 million hryvnias during 2007-2008. They promised to teach parishioners how to get rich, convincing people to take out loans, mortgage their homes, and invest money in the "Embassy of God".
The defense team filed a motion to close the case because the statute of limitations expired on August 26, 2023. They noted that the accused had not been hiding from the court and had been in military service from May 26, 2022, to September 11, 2023. The prosecutor did not object, but one of the victims disagreed with the motion in court, stating that Serhiy Lardugin had not compensated her for her losses. The decision of the Railway District Court can be appealed.
As reported by the UOJ, in 2016, the Council of Christian Evangelical Churches of Ukraine condemned the anti-Christian activities of Sandei Adelaja.
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.