The Security Service of Ukraine has collected new evidence of crimes committed by the head of Cherkasy diocese of moscow patriarchate’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church. This is already the fourth episode of his subversive activities against Ukraine.

In 2023, he was served 3 suspicion notices for inciting inter-religious hatred and denying russia’s armed aggression. These cases have been sent to court.

The SSU established that, after being declared suspect, the cleric continued to spread fakes among his parishioners about the ‘seizure’ of the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Cherkasy and expulsion of clergymen from there.

In his sermons, the priest also tried to discredit clerics of other faiths.

He also recorded video messages on the official Facebook page of the UOC-MP Cherkasy diocese.

The SSU-initiated semantic-linguistic and forensic psychological examinations confirmed the suspect’s criminal actions.

Based on the evidence, the perpetrator has been served another notice of suspicion under Article 161 of the CCU (violation of equality of citizens based on their religious beliefs, committed repeatedly by an official).

The court is to decide on changing his measure of restraint to a more severe one.

The investigation is ongoing. The metropolitan faces up to 8 years in prison.

The investigation is conducted by the SSU Office in Cherkasy region jointly with the National Police under the procedural supervision of Cherkasy District Prosecutor’s Office.