The SSU has documented the subversive activities of the deputy head of the synodal department for external church relations of moscow patriarchate’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The cleric justified russia's war against Ukraine and incited religious hatred.

After russia’s full-scale invasion, the archpriest publicly called for cooperation with the occupiers to jointly ‘pray for the health and well-being’ of the russian invaders.

He wrote about this on his Telegram channel, which he used to spread pro-kremlin narratives.

The suspect’s responsibilities included supervising an extensive network of UOC-MP dioceses abroad. These institutions spread russian propaganda narratives under the guise of ‘providing spiritual care’ to Ukrainian migrants.

In this way, the church official tried to influence the minds of Ukrainians abroad and discredit our country in the international arena.

SSU-initiated examinations confirmed his information and subversive activities against Ukraine.

During the searches at the suspect’s home, the SSU found a certificate of compulsory pension insurance of the russian federation, which indicates that he may have russian citizenship. Documents confirming that the cleric had studied at the diplomatic academy of the russian ministry of foreign affairs were also found.

Based on the evidence collected, the archpriest was served a notice of suspicion under two Articles of the CCU:

• 161.2 (violating equality of citizens based on their race, nationality, region, religious beliefs and other grounds);
• 436-2.2 (justification, recognition as legitimate, denial of russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine, glorification of its participants).

The court is to decide on a measure of restraint. The suspect faces up to 5 years in prison with confiscation of property.

The operation was carried out under the procedural supervision of Kyiv City Prosecutor’s Office.