The SSU has documented the subversive activities of a hierodeacon of moscow patriarchate’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church, who acted in favour of the aggressor state.

According to the investigation, the suspect is one of the closest associates of metropolitan Pavlo (Lebed) and is involved in organizing mass provocations in the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra in the spring of 2023.

Under the pretext of ‘protest actions’, the cleric hoped to destabilize the socio-political situation in Kyiv.

He coordinated his actions remotely with the pro-kremlin blogger Shariy, who is suspected of treason.

As the investigation revealed, the enemy propagandist instructed the hierodeacon to record and disseminate provocative videos of the artificial ‘riots’ near the Lavra.

The streams were at once picked up by russian TV channels and online resources to spread distorted information on the situation in Ukraine, including to an international audience.

Communicating with his parishioners, the cleric justified russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine and praised russia’s top military and political leadership. He also regularly sought to discredit Ukraine’s Defence Forces, including the defenders of Mariupol.

An examination initiated by the SSU confirmed the suspect’s subversive activities.

During the searches of the cleric’s home, the SSU found computer equipment, more than ten mobile phones and almost 300 SIM cards with evidence of the crime.

SSU investigators served the offender a notice of suspicion under Article 436-2.1 of the CCU (justification, recognition as legitimate, denial of russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine, glorification of its participants).

The investigation is ongoing. The suspect is facing imprisonment.

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