DESS launches probe into Balta Eparchy’s alleged ties to Russia
Metropolitan Oleksiy (Hrokha) of Balta. Photo: UOC
The State Service of Ukraine for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience (DESS) has launched a review of the Balta Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church to determine whether it is affiliated with Moscow.
DESS head Viktor Yelensky signed the relevant order on September 2, 2026. According to the document, a special investigative group will begin its work on September 4.
DESS plans to examine whether the Balta Eparchy’s administration shows signs of ties to a foreign religious organization whose activities are prohibited in Ukraine under Ukrainian law. Officials say they will thoroughly examine any evidence of foreign influence and present the group’s final findings.
As the UOJ reported, the Zaporizhzhia Eparchy responded to DESS’s statement that it had found ties between the eparchy and the ROC.
Read also
SBU searches Metropolitan Pimen’s residence, media report
The Security Service of Ukraine conducted searches at the premises of the hierarch of the Rivne Eparchy as part of proceedings under an article on high treason.
Supreme Court opens appellate proceedings in Korets Convent case
The panel of the Cassation Administrative Court recognized the appeal of the Korets Convent as compliant with procedural rules and opened new proceedings.
Supreme Court opens appeal in case of Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra against DESS
Lawyers of the Kyiv Lavra are challenging the court's decision to transfer its lawsuit against DESS to another court.
In Sumy, Sts. Peter and Paul's Church of UOC damaged by Russian strike
During the shelling of Sumy, the blast wave blew out the windows of the ancient UOC church.
Lawyers establish a charitable foundation for legal protection of UOC clergy
The new charitable foundation "Freedom of Conscience" is aimed to solve the problem of paying for legal services to provide qualified assistance to UOC priests.
UOC hierarch: There are cases of healing among pilgrims to Pochaiv
Archbishop Job spoke about cases of healing among pilgrims and the resolution of difficult life problems during the Pochaiv procession.