SBU detains UOC priests for degrading Jewish honor and treason
SBU during searches at a UOC cleric’s residence. Photo: SBU
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) announced the detention of two Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) priests from the Zhytomyr and Vinnytsia regions, according to law enforcement reports on Telegram.
According to case materials, the clerics “praised Putin, called for the seizure of the entire territory of our state, and spread antisemitic statements.”
The SBU claims that the priests "disseminated enemy propaganda during conversations with parishioners, as well as on their social media accounts and messaging apps."
According to the accusations, a priest from the Zhytomyr region “degraded the honor and dignity of Jewish people” and "expressed support for Kremlin policies."
A hieromonk from the Vinnytsia region allegedly “advocated for the seizure of Kyiv and other regions of Ukraine.”
The SBU asserts that the "criminal actions of the suspects" were confirmed by an expert examination initiated by investigators.
The clerics face up to 10 years in prison with confiscation of property.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that, according to a member of parliament, an SBU officer overseeing the persecution of the UOC was arrested in Kyiv.
Read also
Italian media: Ukrainian authorities persecute the country’s largest confession
The Italian outlet L’Identità reported on mass searches, the arrests of clergy, and the ban on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which it describes as the largest Church in Ukraine.
Festival marking Orthodox Youth Day held in UOC's Volyn Eparchy
In Lutsk, the UOC’s annual youth forum brought together parish groups, clergy, and participants in a creative program for Orthodox Youth Day.
London mayor switches on festive Ramadan lights
In London, the Muslim mayor inaugurated Ramadan illuminations: a central street was decorated with a “Happy Ramadan” sign and Islamic-style ornaments.
DESS: Ramadan is a time of special closeness to the Almighty
DESS congratulated Ukraine’s Muslims on the beginning of Ramadan.
Jehovah’s witness pastor sentenced in Lviv region for refusing TRC service
A court in Lviv region sentenced a Jehovah’s Witness pastor to five years in prison for unauthorized absence from his unit and for refusing to serve as a TRC cook.
Orthodox Church in America raises $700,000 for Ukrainians in Poland
An OCA representative met with Metropolitan Sava and discussed humanitarian support for Ukrainian refugees in Poland.