In Zhitomir, police search the apartment of the rector of the Cathedral

Police searching the apartment of the priest for computer and copying equipment, USB-drives and draft notes

On December 3, 2018, law enforcement bodies searched the home of the rector of the Holy Cross Cathedral of the Zhitomir eparchy of the UOC Protopriest Sergiy Gritsayuk.

Father Sergiy told the UOJ that the investigator and police representatives were looking for printed materials and other media in his apartment, the contents of which could incite interfaith hatred. Law enforcers informed the UOC cleric that he was a witness in the case.

According to the text of the search warrant, its purpose is to “search for and seize printed materials (newspapers, leaflets with elements of propaganda content that can lead to incitement of interfaith enmity), as well as computer and copying equipment, printing equipment, USB-drives and optical discs, draft notes, the text of which contains statements that offend the feelings of citizens, supporters and followers of various beliefs, religions and denominations on the basis of their religious beliefs, incite religious enmity and hatred".

During the search at Protopriest Sergiy’s apartment, a computer, two phones, USB-drives and a notebook were seized.

The head of the Opposition Bloc faction, Vadim Novinsky, said that the SBU is questioning about 20 priests of the Rovno and Sarny eparchies of the UOC.

Read also

OCU chaplain: A soldier should not feel guilty for killing enemies

According to a cleric of the OCU, the word “killing” should not even be used in this context.

AFU servicewoman punished by “being sent to the frontline” for defending UOC

An OCU representative explained how commanders punish UOC believers who defend their Church.

UOC church seized after OCU's and UGCC's provocation at soldier's funeral

Supporters of the UGCC brought the body of a soldier into the church, pressuring a UOC priest to conduct the funeral according to the Greek Catholic rite in an Orthodox church.

UOC hierarch calls on the faithful to pray for the return of seized shrine

Metropolitan Theodosiy urged the faithful to communal and personal prayer to Archangel Michael.

Russian Orthodox Church Primate: Christ did not condemn death penalty

The Patriarch added that, although the Church does not welcome the death penalty, it has never condemned it if this punishment is carried out in accordance with the law.

Metropolitan Jonathan appeals sentence to Supreme Court

The Supreme Court has requested criminal case files from the Vinnytsia City Court for cassation review.