SBU hands suspicion to Metropolitan Vissarion of Ovruch
Metropolitan Vissarion of Ovruch. Photo: a screenshot of the “1Kozak” YouTube channel.
On 1 June 2023, the SBU handed over the suspicion to Metropolitan Vissarion of Ovruch and Korosten. The UOC bishop is suspected of inciting interfaith discord, reports the SBU press service.
The SBU said that a suspicion note was also handed to the secretary of the Ovruch Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
According to the investigation, Metropolitan Vissarion "personally prepared texts of pro-Kremlin leaflets and brochures" with a total circulation of 50,000 copies. Later, the secretary of the eparchy distributed these materials among the faithful of the religious community, the SBU added.
"In these 'prop leaflets' he offended the religious feelings of Ukrainians, humiliated the views of believers of other confessions and tried to form hostile attitudes towards them. <...> Based on the conclusions of expert examinations and collected evidence, both perpetrators were informed about the suspicion under Part 2 of Article 28 and Part 2 of Article 161," the agency noted.
The article provides for a fine of five hundred to one thousand untaxed minimum incomes of citizens or imprisonment of two to five years.
As reported, law enforcers announced suspicion against Metropolitan Longin of Bancheni.
Read also
Catholic Host of 'Roots of Orthodoxy' Says Orthodox Apologists are 'Disgusting', 'Trash'
"You Orthodox apologists are absolutely freaking disgusting," Cabada said. "You're a disgusting human being. You're trash. I'm not scared to say that."
Rep. Bacon: 'I Don't Think the UOC Takes Orders from Russia'
Earlier this week, the congressman rejected an opportunity for dialogue with members of the Society of St. John who visited his office despite them holding the same viewpoint.
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.