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

In the dioceses, the SSU found russian passports, pro-kremlin literature, ‘documents’ of occupation administrations and flags of terrorist organizations ‘L/DNR’.

In addition, it was established that a local archimandrite, rector of the Assumption Cathedral in Kherson, had been present in the kremlin hall during the announcement of the annexation of four Ukrainian regions.

A few days before Kherson’s liberation, the priest, accompanied by russian invaders, fled to the temporarily occupied areas in the south of Ukraine.

On the territory of the cathedral, the SSU found a collection of icons stolen by ruscists from the house of the Honorary Consul of Lithuania during the occupation of Kherson.

As a result of further inspection of the church premises, passes issued in the name of a ‘federal adviser of russia’s civil-military administration’ and russian passports of local priests were found. The clerics received them this year, during the occupation of Kherson.

Criminal proceedings were initiated under the Article 111.2 of the CCU (high treason committed under martial law).

In Krasnohirsk Holy Protection Convent in Cherkasy region, the SSU found a flag of the so-called ‘novorossia’ and a library with propaganda literature by russian authors.

In the monastery of Ovrutsk-Korosten diocese and the Skete in Zhytomyr region, the SSU exposed former criminals who keep in touch with russian subscribers. The Service is currently checking these contacts.

In another monastery in Zhytomyr region, investigators found a person who has been on the nationwide wanted list as missing since 2020.

During the inspection of Myltsi St. Nicholas’s Monastery, the law enforcement found texts of prayers for the aggressor state and russian ‘textbooks’ praising the kremlin regime.

Currently, all seized items have been sent for expert examination for further procedural actions.

We emphasize that in its activities 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 Kherson, Cherkasy, Zhytomyr and Volyn regions.