SBU hands suspicion to Metropolitan Vissarion of Ovruch

Metropolitan Vissarion of Ovruch. Photo: a screenshot of the “1Kozak” YouTube channel.

On 1 June 2023, the SBU handed over the suspicion to Metropolitan Vissarion of Ovruch and Korosten. The UOC bishop is suspected of inciting interfaith discord, reports the SBU press service.

The SBU said that a suspicion note was also handed to the secretary of the Ovruch Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

According to the investigation, Metropolitan Vissarion "personally prepared texts of pro-Kremlin leaflets and brochures" with a total circulation of 50,000 copies. Later, the secretary of the eparchy distributed these materials among the faithful of the religious community, the SBU added.

"In these 'prop leaflets' he offended the religious feelings of Ukrainians, humiliated the views of believers of other confessions and tried to form hostile attitudes towards them. <...> Based on the conclusions of expert examinations and collected evidence, both perpetrators were informed about the suspicion under Part 2 of Article 28 and Part 2 of Article 161," the agency noted.

The article provides for a fine of five hundred to one thousand untaxed minimum incomes of citizens or imprisonment of two to five years.

As reported, law enforcers announced suspicion against Metropolitan Longin of Bancheni.

Read also

US helps restore Orthodox church in Turkey after earthquake

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.

Kamianske Eparchy commemorates New Martyr Ioann Mohylevsky