SBU searches monasteries of Ovruch Eparchy of UOC
SBU officers came to the UOC monastery. Photo: Facebook page of the Security Service of Ukraine in the Zhytomyr Region
On December 8, 2022, the SBU came with searches to the monasteries in the Korosten district of the Ovruch Eparchy – the Chopovychi Convent, the Monastery of the Kazan icon of the Mother of God, and the Skete of St. Siluan of Athos, reports the press service of the Security Service of Ukraine in the Zhytomyr region on its Facebook page.
The purpose of the searches, the security service said, is to "uncover subversive activities of the Russian special services in the religious environment" of Ukraine and to counteract these activities.
The SBU officers are checking "religious communities affiliated with centres of influence in Russia" and are looking for people in holy cloisters who might be involved in "illegal activities" as well as "items banned for circulation on the territory of Ukraine".
The press service stressed in a statement that "all actions are taking place within the framework of the current legislation and in pursuance of the relevant instruction of the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine".
Earlier, the SBU reported searches of the UOC in Cherkasy, Volyn and Kherson regions.
Read also
Greece signs memorandum on protection of Jerusalem Patriarchate's shrines
Next week, the Greek Parliament will ratify a document on the protection of the cultural heritage of the Jerusalem Patriarchate.
Greek bishop calls imposition of same-sex marriage a threat
Metropolitan Seraphim of Kythera urged families to become a “domestic church” amid threats to the Christian family in Greek laws and school curricula.
Patriarch Bartholomew arrives in Budapest for opening of Orthodox center
The Ecumenical Patriarch has arrived in Hungary, where he will preside over the consecration of the Orthodox center "Phanarion."
OCU raiders stage attack on seized church in Kyiv, media
OCU "hierarch" Serhiy Horobtsov published a provocative post online regarding St. John's Church in Bykivnia seized by his people.