SBU reports number of criminal cases opened against UOC clergy
V. Zelensky and V. Maliuk. Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine
Since 2022, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has initiated 208 criminal proceedings against representatives of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), the agency reported. “Among the defendants are 27 senior church officials – metropolitans and archbishops accused of collaborating with Russia,” the SBU press release stated.
The agency claimed that “the exposed clerics carried out tasks assigned by Russian intelligence services aimed at destabilizing the socio-political situation in Ukraine.”
“To achieve this, the hierarchs used religious communities to recruit believers into Russia’s intelligence network, justify Russian war crimes, and call for the seizure of our state,” the SBU asserted.
According to the SBU, 78 representatives of the UOC have already been formally charged, and 40 clergy members have been sentenced to imprisonment. Among them are four hierarchs – ruling bishops from various regions of Ukraine.
The agency also reported that, at its initiative, Ukrainian citizenship and residence permits were revoked for 19 UOC clerics who, according to the SBU, hold Russian passports.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that during the annexation of Crimea, 98% of SBU officers became traitors.
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.