The SSU has documented anti-Ukrainian activities of the rector of a temple in Odesa diocese of the UOC-MP (Ukrainian Orthodox Church of moscow patriarchate). The cleric justified russia’s war against Ukraine and incited religious hatred.

During sermons and communication with the faithful, the archpriest praised putin and glorified the russian occupation troops.

He also tried to justify russia’s war crimes, including russian strikes on Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure.

Separately, the church official imposed his own intolerance towards other faiths on his parishioners and incited religious hatred.

The SSU documented his crimes. A forensic linguistic examination initiated by the SSU confirmed the archpriest’s information and subversive activities against Ukraine.

Based on the evidence, SSU investigators served the cleric a notice of suspicion under two Articles of the CCU:

• 161.1 (violation of equality of citizens based on their race, nationality, region, religious beliefs and other grounds);
• 436-2.1 (justification, recognition as lawful, denial of russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine, glorification of its participants).

The investigation is ongoing. The suspect faces imprisonment.

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