The SSU has collected irrefutable evidence proving the guilt of the head of Tulchyn diocese of moscow patriarchate’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Vinnytsia region, who publicly justified russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine.

The indictment has been sent to court.

Following the SSU’s investigation, the metropolitan is facing a sentence of up to 8 years in prison.

According to the investigation, the suspect disseminated propaganda leaflets among believers, calling for seizure of power and change of Ukraine’s state borders.

On one of the websites of the russian Orthodox Church, the metropolitan posted publications in support of russian invaders and their war crimes.

During the searches of the suspect’s home and in the church premises, the law enforcement found:

• computer equipment and mobile phones with evidence of criminal activity;
• pro-kremlin propaganda leaflets and literature.

The SSU-initiated examination of the seized items confirmed the facts of the bishop’s unlawful activity.

The actions of the accused have been qualified under four Articles of the CCU:

• 109.2 (actions aimed at forceful change or overthrow of the constitutional order or seizure of state power);
• 110.1 (encroachment on Ukraine’s territorial integrity and inviolability);
• 161.2 (violation of equality of citizens based on their race, nationality, region, religious beliefs, disability and other grounds);
• 436-2.3 (justification, recognition as lawful, denial of russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine, glorification of its participants).

The SSU Office in Vinnytsia region carried out the investigation under the procedural supervision of the regional Prosecutor’s Office.