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
Oldest UOC church in Sumy marks its patronal feast
Metropolitan Yevlohiy led celebrations at the city’s oldest parish, where the wonderworking Pustynno-Hlynska Icon of the Mother of God was brought for the feast.
Hundreds of faithful in Bulgaria welcome Hawaiian Icon of the Mother of God
Patriarch Daniel led the ceremonial welcome for the myrrh-streaming icon in Sofia and thanked the ROCOR Synod for arranging its visit.
Pope Leo XIV approves new Vatican Сonstitution
The new Fundamental Law establishes the right of non-cardinals to head Vatican administrative bodies.
Church commemorates Prophet Elijah
The Church honors the memory of the prophet who lived in the ninth century BC and became an example of unwavering faith for Christians throughout the ages.
UOC priest’s home damaged in drone strike on Poltava
The home of Archpriest Kostiantyn Fisun, rector of St. Seraphim Church in Poltava, was damaged in a drone attack.
Kyiv Theological Schools begin enrollment for catechetical courses
The Kyiv Theological Academy has announced enrollment for the St. Peter Mohyla Catechetical Courses for laypeople.