Clergyman from Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) Faces Charges
Under the procedural oversight of the Luhansk Regional Prosecutor's Office, an archimandrite from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP) has been formally notified of suspicion. The clergyman allegedly engaged in information activities benefiting the Russian Federation. He spread pro-Russian messages during conversations with parishioners and on social media platforms banned in Ukraine, advocating for the 'Russian world' ideology.
The cleric, who served in the Sievierodonetsk diocese, switched sides in 2014 to support pro-Russian armed groups and traveled to Russia. He later returned to Ukraine and continued his ministry at a church in the Dnipropetrovsk region. After the full-scale invasion began, he maintained contacts with representatives of Russian church circles and individuals in the temporarily occupied territory of Luhansk region.
'After the full-scale invasion began, he maintained contacts with representatives of Russian church circles and individuals in the temporarily occupied territory of Luhansk region. During a search, authorities seized his phone and computer equipment, which contain evidence of illegal activities.'
— Prosecutor General's Office
In his activities, the clergyman praised the leadership of the Russian Federation and representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church, describing the temporary occupation of Ukrainian territories as 'liberation' and 'returning home.' In Odesa, another Moscow Patriarchate priest, Ivan Pavlichenko, was sentenced to prison for pro-Russian statements and justifying Russia's aggression.
Combating Information Aggression
This case highlights Ukraine's ongoing effort to counter information aggression emerging not only from military but also from religious circles. Authorities are actively identifying and holding accountable individuals who support Russian aggression, including through religious channels.
The incident serves as a warning to other clergymen about the risks of making public statements that back the aggressor and an ideology contrary to Ukraine's national interests.
As the investigation into pro-Russian activities within the clergy intensifies, the case of Metropolitan Arseniy, who is under house arrest for allegedly leaking military information, further illustrates the challenges faced by Ukraine in combating disinformation. This ongoing scrutiny of church figures raises critical questions about their roles during the conflict. For more details on the legal proceedings surrounding church officials, see the recent developments involving Metropolitan Arseniy.