Metropolitan Jonathan appeals sentence to Supreme Court
Metropolitan Jonathan in court. Photo: Press Service of the Tulchyn Eparchy
The former head of the Tulchyn Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Jonathan (Yeletskykh), through his lawyer, filed a cassation appeal with the Supreme Court against a sentence imposing five years of imprisonment. This was reported by Glavcom, citing the court registry.
The Supreme Court requested the criminal case materials from the Vinnytsia City Court for the cassation review. To recall, on August 7, 2023, the Vinnytsia Court found the metropolitan guilty of four articles of the Ukrainian Criminal Code: violation of citizens' equality, justification of Russian armed aggression, calls for the violent overthrow of the constitutional order, and dissemination of materials calling for changes to Ukraine's borders.
Metropolitan Jonathan was sentenced to five years in prison with property confiscation. In June 2024, the Vinnytsia Appeals Court upheld this decision.
As reported by the UOJ, on June 22, 2024, at the request of Patriarch Kirill and following negotiations, Metropolitan Jonathan of Tulchyn and Bratslav was released and transferred to Russia via exchange.
Read also
Metr. Saba Appeals for Lebanon Relief Donations
Metr. Saba calls for urgent donations to aid displaced families in Lebanon.
New Orthodox Parish School Set to Open in Pennsylvania
"The School has been in the prayers of St. John Chrysostom Orthodox Church since the community's founding in 1992," a press release states. "Through God, all things are possible!"
Ancient Monastic Complex Found in Egypt
A newly discovered Egyptian site highlights the scale and sophistication of early monastic life.
Ukrainian Protodeacon Alleges False Prosecutions of Priests
Protodeacon Vadim Novinsky said that the vast majority of criminal cases opened against Ukrainian Orthodox Church clergy are fabricated, with the government threatening them to accept plea deals.
Abp. Mark Visits Holy Apostles Parish for Lenten Weekend
Abp. Mark’s visit blended worship, teaching, and encouragement during the Lenten journey.
Abp. Alexei Delivers Lenten Homily in Anchorage
A Lenten homily in Alaska called the faithful back to patient, step-by-step transformation in Christ.