The SSU has completed counterintelligence (security) measures at the facilities of the moscow patriarchate’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church located in Zakarpattia, Rivne and Zhytomyr regions.

In the dioceses, the SSU found warehouses with pro-kremlin literature, nazi symbols, ‘teachings on Satanism’ and texts of prayers for moscow patriarch kirill.

In the St. Nicholas Monastery in Khust district of Transcarpathia, symbols of the banned party Opposition Platform – For Life and brochures praising russian invaders in the war against Ukraine were uncovered.

Propaganda books by russian authors justifying aggression against Ukraine and calling to join occupiers were also found in the monastery.

In Rivne-Ostroh diocese, the SSU found hidden belarusian cash and brochures calling for peace with the ‘brotherly russian people’, glorifying ‘russian land’ and ‘russian soldiers’.

During security measures in the St. Anastasia Stavropegic Convent and two sketes in Zhytomyr region, the SSU identified persons in contact with russian citizens. These contacts are currently being studied by the SSU.

The ‘guests’ stayed on the territory of hotel complexes at the churches and used anonymous messengers to communicate with the enemy.

All seized items have been sent for examination. Further procedural actions will be based on the findings of these examinations.

We emphasize that in its activity the SSU adheres to the principle of impartiality to any religious denomination and respects the right of every citizen to freedom of worldview and religion, as defined by the Constitution of Ukraine.

The security measures were carried out by the SSU Offices in Zakarpattia, Rivne and Zhytomyr regions.