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
UOC Social Department donates gaming consoles to children’s hospitals in Kyiv
The UOC Social Department delivered PlayStation 5 sets to seven pediatric hospitals in Kyiv, with a total value of 483,453 hryvnias.
Authorities seize icons and reliquary from Krupytskyi Monastery nuns
After the takeover of the UOC’s Krupytskyi Monastery, officials are preventing the sisters from recovering a reliquary and an icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.
Mukachevo Eparchy priest receives commendations from AFU
Archpriest Vasyl Lomaha was presented with commendations from the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the “Berehove Union of Mothers and Wives of ATO Participants.”
Court ruling bars Metropolis of Moldova faithful from entering a church
After a decision by the Supreme Court of Justice, police blocked Orthodox Church of Moldova faithful from accessing the church in the village of Dereneu.
Persecuted UOC community responds to OCU over claims of “discrediting Ukraine”
UOC parishioners say they have the right to appeal to international bodies when their rights are violated.
Greek Media: The Church of Cyprus faces a crisis of synodality
Greek media report an institutional conflict and a weakening of synodal governance in Cyprus.