Former UOC metropolitan delivered a new notification on suspicion

Metropolitan Elisey. Photo: News Room

On November 14, 2024, the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine announced new accusations against the former Metropolitan of Izium and Kupiansk, Elisey, according to Suspilne. He is charged with justifying Russia’s armed aggression and the occupation of Ukrainian territory.

According to the published document, at the time of the invasion, the suspect held the position of Metropolitan of Izium and Kupiansk. At the end of June 2022, during a gathering of clergy in the occupied city of Kupiansk for the Feast of Prophet Elisha, he openly expressed support for Russia and justified military actions on Ukrainian soil.

The former UOC metropolitan faces charges under Part 1 of Article 436-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. These actions are punishable by correctional labor for up to two years, probationary supervision for up to three years, or imprisonment for the same term.

As previously reported, Metropolitan Elisey of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church was dismissed from his position on September 29, 2022. In September 2022, the former head of the Izyum diocese was spotted on Russian territory. Following this, Metropolitan Onufriy appointed a temporary administrator for the Izium Eparchy of the UOC, assigning the role to Metropolitan Onufriy of Kharkiv and Bohodukhiv.

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