SBU reports suspicion against ROC's chief military chaplain
Archpriest Dmitry Vasilenko. Photo: open sources
On 20 November 2025, the Security Service of Ukraine reported issuing a notice of suspicion to the chief military chaplain of the Russian Orthodox Church, Archpriest Dmitry Vasilenko.
According to the agency’s press service, “the archpriest publicly promotes Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine and justifies the war crimes of the ‘rashists’.” He has been charged under Article 436 (war propaganda) and Part 3 of Article 436-2 (justifying, recognizing as lawful, or denying the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, as well as glorifying its participants, committed through the use of mass media).
The SBU states that comprehensive measures are continuing to ensure the cleric is held accountable.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that a court handed down an in-absentia sentence of 11 years’ imprisonment to the Metropolitan of Luhansk.
Read also
Patriarch Bartholomew dines with Erdogan at Muslim iftar
The Ecumenical Patriarch attended a Muslim iftar in Ankara at Erdogan's invitation.
Polish Church: OCU issue should be resolved by Pan-Orthodox Council
The hierarchs of the Polish Church declared the necessity of convening all local Churches to resolve the OCU-related crisis.
"Panimatka": media explains how to properly address priest and matushka
Ukrainian media reported that the forms of address "batiushka" and "matushka" are Russianisms.
Delegation of Constantinople Patriarchate visits Bulgarian Patriarch
The hierarchs of the Phanar discussed with the head of the Bulgarian Church "the importance of mutual communion in the name of the unity of the Holy Orthodox Church."
Online users recall how Filaret supported UGCC's joining ROC
A UOC deacon published a fragment of Filaret Denysenko's 1986 speech, where he welcomed the "reunification" of Greek Catholics with the Russian Church.
Netanyahu hopes that Israel will hold out in the war until Messiah's coming
Israel's Prime Minister stated that the country must endure current wars and threats while awaiting the "future kingdom" and the coming of the Messiah.