SBU reports suspicion against ROC's chief military chaplain

Archpriest Dmitry Vasilenko. Photo: open sources

On 20 November 2025, the Security Service of Ukraine reported issuing a notice of suspicion to the chief military chaplain of the Russian Orthodox Church, Archpriest Dmitry Vasilenko.

According to the agency’s press service, “the archpriest publicly promotes Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine and justifies the war crimes of the ‘rashists’.” He has been charged under Article 436 (war propaganda) and Part 3 of Article 436-2 (justifying, recognizing as lawful, or denying the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, as well as glorifying its participants, committed through the use of mass media).

On this topic SBU detains OCU "priest" for corruption

The SBU states that comprehensive measures are continuing to ensure the cleric is held accountable.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that a court handed down an in-absentia sentence of 11 years’ imprisonment to the Metropolitan of Luhansk.

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