Court in Zakarpattia closes case against UOC archimandrite
Archimandrite Benedict (Khromiy) outside the courthouse. Photo: priest's Facebook page
In Zakarpattia Oblast, a court ruled to release Archimandrite Benedict (Khromiy) of the Khust Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church from punishment in a criminal case over the alleged “dissemination of communist symbols.” The priest published the court ruling on his Facebook page on June 12, 2025.
Archimandrite Benedict expressed his gratitude to all who had prayed for him.
The cleric was charged under Part 1, Article 436-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine for using a Facebook frame with a Victory Day greeting, which he had posted back in 2020. He was found guilty and sentenced to a suspended term of three years, later replaced with one year of probation.
After the probationary year ended, the Probation Service filed a motion in December 2024 for the priest’s early release from punishment.
However, the court in Rakhiv delayed the process over five hearings and ultimately denied the request. The lawyer representing Fr. Benedict filed an appeal, which resulted in the clergyman being released from punishment.
As previously reported by the UOJ, the court had earlier fined the UOC archimandrite 60,000 hryvnias.
Read also
Archbishop of Albania supports country's accession to European Union
The Primate of the Albanian Church believes that Albania's accession to the European Union will benefit not only the country and its citizens but also Europe itself.
Cyprus Church Synod permits weddings during Nativity Fast
The Sacrament of Marriage is permitted to be performed from the beginning of the Nativity Fast until December 12.
Cherkasy authorities set up surveillance over Orthodox educational institution
The village of Cherniavka became the site of a special operation by law enforcement against an Orthodox gymnasium, where a hidden surveillance camera was installed on a pole.
Metropolitan Tychikos case to be again considered by Cyprus Church Synod
Holy Archdiocese of Cyprus stated that the appeal filed by Metropolitan Tychikos to the Supreme Court could fundamentally change the assessment of the situation.
His Beatitude: The Lord gives people strength to overcome sin
The Primate emphasized that in the New Testament, Christians receive the gracious power of the Holy Spirit to fight against sin.
Met. Varsonofiy сelebrates Liturgy at persecuted UOC parish in Stryzhavka
A UOC hierarch officiated the Nativity service and offered prayers for peace in Ukraine.