Based on the evidence collected by the SSU, the former rector of Kherson Diocese Cathedral, Oleksiy, who is hiding in Crimea, has been convicted in absentia to 15 years in prison for high treason. The temple belonged to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of moscow patriarchate (UOC-MP).

After Kherson was seized, the archimandrite cooperated with the occupiers and the local gauleiter Saldo.

According to the investigation, the cleric regularly invited him to the church to give pro-kremlin speeches to the faithful.

During the services, the priest blessed russia’s sham referendum on the ‘accession’ of Kherson region to russia.

In addition, he personally appealed to moscow patriarch Kirill with a request to include the local cathedral into the russian orthodox church parish.

For his support of ruscism, the traitor was given captured real estate in downtown Kherson and invited to the kremlin to participate in the ‘ceremony of inclusion’ of the temporarily occupied areas of Ukraine in russia.

During Kherson’s liberation, the person in question fled with the russian invaders first to the left bank of the region and then to the Crimea.

After the SSU’s investigation, the court found the accused guilty under two Articles of the CCU:

• 111.2 (high treason, committed under martial law);
• 111-2.1 (aiding the aggressor state).

Efforts are underway to bring the convict to justice for his crimes against Ukraine.

The investigation was carried out by the SSU Offices in Chernivtsi and Kherson regions under the procedural supervision of Chernivtsi Region Prosecutor’s Office.