The SSU has collected evidence against the abbot of the St. Sava the Blessed Monastery in the temporarily occupied Melitopol.

After the city was captured, the archimandrite was one of the first to support russia’s armed aggression and call on locals to help the invaders.

Speaking to parishioners, he categorically denied ruscists’ war crimes and advocated the region’s ‘accession’ to russia.

In late August and early September 2022, the cleric took an active part in organizing the fake referendum in the captured part of Zaporizhzhia region. The archimandrite publicly called on citizens to ‘vote’ in favour of the aggressor state.

Based on the evidence collected, SSU investigators notified him of suspicion under Articles 111-1.5, 111-1.6 of the CCU - collaboration.

The suspect is currently in the temporarily occupied territory. The complex efforts to bring him to justice for crimes against our state are underway.

The offender is facing up to 12 years in prison.

The investigation was carried out under the procedural supervision of Zaporizhzhia Region Prosecutor’s Office.