Security Service investigates Moscow church affairs: weapons, porn, treason

The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) has initiated 68 criminal proceedings against representatives of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC MP) since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Russia, the SSU reported.

Among the suspects are 14 metropolitans. “Among the crimes exposed are 20 facts of treason, collaborationism, and aiding and abetting the aggressor country. In addition, law enforcement officers are investigating 18 cases related to public agitation for religious hatred, as well as the sale of firearms and the distribution of child pornography,” the SSU said.

26 UOC MP representatives were informed of the suspicion, and another 19 perpetrators have already received court sentences. Two convicted clerical collaborators were exchanged for Ukrainian soldiers who were in Russian captivity. In particular, it is Andrii Pavlenko, the abbot of the Holy Tikhvin Church of the Sieverodonetsk Diocese of the UOC MP. The convict passed information about resistance movement members to the Russians last April. The cleric was sentenced to 12 years but was later exchanged for 63 Ukrainian defenders.

Mykola Zirka, a clergyman of the Horlivka Diocese of the UOC MP, who was sentenced to seven years, also went on exchange. After the capture of Lyman, the man organized a meeting of community residents to “elect” the leadership of the local occupation administration.

Another 19 church representatives were stripped of their citizenship because they had Russian passports and spread pro-Kremlin narratives.

“The Security Service once again emphasizes that in its activities, it acts exclusively within the limits of the Constitution of Ukraine and current legislation, and also respects the rights of every citizen to freedom of choice of religion and worldview,” the SSU said.

However, no enemy accomplice and criminal element will be able to hide from justice for crimes against Ukraine, the SSU added.