Maliuk: Based on SBU materials, 19 clerics of UOC stripped of citizenship

SBU chief Vasyl Maliuk. Photo: interfax.com.ua

Based on the materials of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the authorities have stripped 19 clerics of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of their Ukrainian citizenship, the head of the Security Service of Ukraine, Vasyl Maliuk, said in an interview with interfax.com.ua.

According to him, the Special Service opened criminal proceedings against 61 clerics and "courts have already issued seven verdicts against individual clerics who sided with the enemy".

"The presence of a cassock and a censer is not an aggravating circumstance, but it does not exempt from criminal liability either," Maliuk said. “FSB agents in cassocks have no place in a country at war. Let the traitors not even dream of 'atoning' for their sins.”

As reported, two months ago the SBU reported that it had opened "about 60" criminal proceedings against UOC representatives and the seven court verdicts mentioned.

Read also

Ukrainian Government Reports Seizure of 37 UOC Churches: 'Not as Many as We Would Like'

“Perhaps these transitions are not as numerous as we would like, but this is already a matter for the religious communities,” a government spokesman said.

Man Sentenced to 60 Years for Attempting to Shoot a Pastor During a Service

“Pastor Glenn Germany was there with the man after the man almost took his life," a local resident said. "God shows us that He is a protector, a provider, a loving God! He shows us how quickly things can happen and how swiftly God can intervene!”

Trump to Meet Putin in Alaska for Talks on Ending Ukraine War

Summit set for Aug. 15 could mark first direct U.S.-Russia meeting since 2021, but peace prospects remain uncertain

Court Revives Indiana Teacher’s Religious Rights Lawsuit Over Transgender Name Policy

Appeals court says school failed to show last-name-only approach caused disruption.

Syria: Bomb Attack on Church in Tartus Foiled

Two individuals have been arrested who, according to authorities, were on their way to carry out a terrorist attack.

Trump Brokers Peace Between Armenia and Azerbaijan

The agreement bring an end to a conflict that has been raging for over three decades. The heads of both countries jointly proposed nominating Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize.