SBU conducts searches in Kharkiv and Izium eparchies
Searches in the Kharkiv region. Photo: facebook.com/ssu.kharkiv
On 10 December 2022, SBU officers are conducting searches at UOC facilities in Kharkiv and Izium eparchies, reports the SBU Directorate of the Kharkiv region on its Facebook page.
The SBU is conducting searches at the Hole Intercession (Pokrovsky) Monastery, the Holy Annunciation Cathedral, the Holy Kazan Church, the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God "Seeking the Lost", the Holy Dormition Church, St. Peter and Paul’s Church, St. Nicholas’s Church, St. Valentine’s Church, St. Olgas’ Church, St. Queen Tamaras’ Church; St. Michael the Archangels’ Church, the Church of St. George the Victorious, and St. Volodymyr Church of the Kharkiv Eparchy, as well as at the Holy Ascension Cathedral of the Izium Eparchy of the UOC.
According to the report, the searches "are conducted jointly with the National Guard and the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine – as part of the systemic work of the Security Service of Ukraine to counteract subversive activities of Russian special services in our country".
"Given the armed aggression of the Russian Federation, these activities are carried out to prevent the use of religious communities as a cell of the 'Russian world' and to safeguard the population from provocations and terrorist acts," the statement said.
The SBU added that the searches were carried out "with the direct involvement of representatives of the church...to identify individuals who might be involved in illegal activities to the detriment of Ukraine's state sovereignty and items prohibited for circulation".
As earlier reported, the SBU is conducting searches in the Boryspil Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
Read also
Petition Warns Canada’s Hate Speech Law Could Criminalize Scripture
Thousands of Canadians have signed a petition urging the Liberal government to drop proposed hate-speech changes that critics warn could criminalize quoting the Bible and other religious texts.
JD Vance: Criticizing Israel Is Not Antisemitism
Vice President JD Vance said opposing Israeli policies is not the same as antisemitism, sparking debate over where criticism of Israel ends and hatred of Jews begins.
First Orthodox Prayer Book Published in Indonesian Language
The first Orthodox prayer book in Indonesian has been published and presented in Bekasi, providing local faithful and new converts with a vital resource for prayer and liturgical life.
OCA Joins Legal Challenge to Illinois Abortion Referral Law
Amicus brief argues mandate violates religious freedom and compels pro-life providers to contradict their faith.
EXCLUSIVE: Leaked Ukrainian Memo Says Religious Freedom is ‘Achilles Heel’
In an emergency strategy meeting held in response to the Society of St. John's Day of Action, D.C.-based Ukrainian lobbyists acknowledged the weight of the religious freedom issue as it pertains to the Ukrainian government’s public perception.
Historic $2.9 Million Bequest Strengthens Greek Orthodox Foundation
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Foundation has received a record $2.9 million bequest from the late Andy Efthim, a devoted layman whose faith-filled generosity will support the Church’s mission for generations.