SBU announces suspicion to Lavra monk
SBU officers in Lavra. Photo: t.me/SBUkr
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has reported suspicion of Archdeacon Pavel (Muzychko), a monk of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.
On its Telegram channel, the SBU reported that Archdeacon Pavel was engaged in "organising provocations in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra".
The press service of the agency writes that law enforcers "documented the subversive activities of the hierodeacon of the UOC, who acted in favour of the aggressor country".
According to the investigation, "the figure is one of the closest associates of Metropolitan Pavel (Lebed) and is involved in the organisation of mass provocations in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra in the spring of 2023".
At the same time, the SBU said that "under the guise of 'protests', the cleric hoped to maximally shake up the socio-political situation in Kyiv," accusing him of coordinating his actions with blogger Anatoliy Shariy.
In addition, the SBU said, "in correspondence with believers, the cleric justified Russia's armed aggression against Ukraine and praised Russia's top military and political leadership" and "tried to discredit the Defence Forces, including the defenders of Mariupol".
A forensic examination initiated by the SBU confirmed the facts of the archdeacon's "subversive activities".
Based on the materials received, investigators of the Security Service informed Archdeacon Pavel of suspicion under Part 1 Article 436-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (justification, recognition of legitimacy, denial of the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, glorification of its participants)" and said that he faces imprisonment.
As reported, the monk of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra was taken to the SBU for questioning after the search.
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.