The Security Service and National Police have exposed the prior of the Banchyn Holy Ascension Monastery in the Chernivtsi-Bukovyna Diocese of the UOC-MP for fueling interreligious hostility.
This was reported by the press service of the SBU.
During the Liturgies, he made derogatory remarks about the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, referring to it as the "Church of Antichrist" and "satanic Church." In doing so, he insulted the religious feelings of believers and provoked an escalation of the internal situation in the region.
The linguistic expertise initiated by the SBU confirmed the facts of the cleric's criminal activities.
Based on the materials of the Security Service, the suspect has been informed of the charges under Part 1 of Article 161 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (violation of equal rights of citizens based on their racial, national, regional affiliation, religious beliefs, disabilities, and other characteristics).
The question of applying preventive measures is currently being decided. The investigation is ongoing to establish all the circumstances of the crime.
Comprehensive measures were carried out by the SBU officers in the Chernivtsi region jointly with the National Police under the procedural guidance of the district prosecutor's office.