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

On the territory of these dioceses, the SSU found russian passports, St. George’s ribbons, symbols of the banned Opposition Platform – For Life party and kiril’s ‘guidelines’ on spreading enemy propaganda among believers.

The law enforcement also uncovered storerooms with pro-kremlin literature, including publications by the ruscist ideologist Ivan Ilyin.

In this literature, russians deny the existence of the Ukrainian people, language and culture and question Ukraine’s statehood.

During the inspection of church premises in Chornobaivka, Kherson region, the SSU found forms for passes to russia’s occupation authorities.

In the diocese in Lviv region, photos of hidden russian documents ‘regarding ensuring cooperation with russia’s military commissariats’ were found.

On the territory of churches in Transcarpathian region, the law enforcement found a flag of the so-called ‘Republic of Subcarpathian Rus’ with the text of the anthem of ‘Subcarpathian Rusyns’.

It was also established that a local priest in his sermons referred to people who celebrate Christmas on December 25 as ‘satanists’.

Criminal proceeding over this fact was initiated under the Article 161.1 of the CCU (violation of equality of citizens based on their racial, national, regional affiliation, religious beliefs, disability and other grounds).

A novice with a russian passport and contacts in russia was exposed on the territory of one of the monasteries in Rivne region.

The SSU is checking his possible involvement in intelligence and subversive activities of the enemy special services.

A cleric with a party card of the former USSR Communist party was found in Romny diocese.

All seized items have been sent for examination for further procedural actions.

We emphasize that 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, Chernivtsi, Rivne, Volyn, Mykolaiv, Sumy, Lviv, Zhytomyr and Kherson regions jointly with the National Police and National Guard.