Defense: During the search, Metropolitan Jonathan was given false leaflets

Metropolitan Jonathan. Photo: vinnitsa.info

On June 25, 2023, during a meeting of the Vinnytsia City Court in the case of Metropolitan Jonathan (Yeletsky) of Tulchyn and Bratslav, the lawyers of the UOC hierarch stated that during the search, false leaflets were planted on Metropolitan Jonathan, the press service of the Tulchyn Eparchy reports.

The meeting was devoted to viewing a video recording of a search by employees of the Vinnytsia regional SBU and police of two residential premises in the city of Bershad. The viewing and discussion lasted about four hours. Journalists from Vinnytsia media were present.

“Based on the results of viewing the video recording of the search, the defense unanimously stated that there are undoubtedly all the signs of committing a group official crime: namely, the planting of fabricated material evidence (anti-Ukrainian leaflets) by employees of state investigative bodies designed to discredit both Metropolitan Jonathan and to deliver an informational blow to the canonical UOC, of which he has been an authoritative bishop for several decades,” the statement said.

The next open meeting of the Vinnytsia City Court is scheduled for July 3, 2023 at 10:30.

Earlier, Metropolitan Jonathan noted that he is accused of being the biggest villain in Ukraine.

Read also

Synod of Ukrainian Orthodox Church сanonizes Blessed John Pokhodenchyk

In July of this year, the Commission on the Canonization of Saints reviewed materials regarding the glorification of the ascetic from the Kirovohrad region.

November 2 – International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists

Over six months ago, UOJ Orthodox journalists were arrested and placed in detention, facing life sentences for covering the religious situation in Ukraine.

Met. Longin’s lawyer: Judges wanted to ban video recording of the trial

After the judge decided to conduct the session 'in camera', Metropolitan Longin suffered a heart attack.  

Odesa UOC Eparchy: "We can no longer be silent; we will defend the Church"

The press service of the Odesa Eparchy commented on the statement regarding the ROC's actions toward dioceses in occupied territories.

OCU cathedral in Lutsk decorated with frescoes of businessmen

Due to criticism of this initiative, the images had to be redone.

Yelensky on UOC bishops’ statement: We expect an exit from the ROC, not talks

The DESS head suggested that the Primate did not support this statement, as he hadn't put his signature on it.