The SSU has documented subversive activities of a metropolitan archpriest of Cherkasy diocese of moscow patriarchate’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC-MP), who justified russia’s armed aggression.

On his Facebook page, the cleric glorified russian occupiers and denied their war crimes against Ukraine.

He also spread pro-kremlin narratives on the social network to discredit Ukrainian defenders.

For example, he accused Ukrainian defenders of preparing for military provocations in Odesa and called the Azov brigade ‘nazis’.

The priest supplemented his posts with enemy slogans, photos and videos from pro-kremlin Internet resources.

During the search of the cleric’s home, the SSU found banned symbols and a mobile phone he used to spread anti-Ukrainian propaganda.

The SSU-initiated examinations confirmed the suspect’s criminal actions.

Based on the evidence, the UOC-MP metropolitan archpriest was served a notice of suspicion under Article 436-2.2, 436-2.3 of the CCU (justification of russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine, glorification of its participants).

The court is to decide on a measure of restraint.

The investigation is ongoing. The suspect faces up to 8 years in prison with confiscation of property.

The operation was carried out by the SSU Office in Cherkasy region under the procedural supervision of the regional Prosecutor’s Office.