The SSU and the National Police have exposed the abbot of the Holy Ascension Monastery of Chernivtsi-Bukovyna diocese of moscow patriarchate’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church on inciting interreligious hatred.

During liturgies, he spoke disparagingly about the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, calling it ‘satanic’ and a ‘church of the antichrist’.

In doing so, he offended religious feelings of believers and provoked aggravation of internal situation in the region.

The SSU-initiated linguistic examination confirmed the facts of the cleric’s unlawful activity.

Following an investigation, the SSU notified the clergyman of suspicion under Article 161.1 of the CCU (violation of equality of citizens based on their race, nationality, region, religious beliefs, disability and other grounds).

The court is to decide on a measure of restraint for the suspect. The investigation is ongoing.

The SSU Office in Chernivtsi region exposed the offender jointly with the National Police under the procedural supervision of the District Prosecutor’s Office.