SBU refers Metropolitan Pavel case to court
Metropolitan Pavel, the abbot of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. Photo: ctrana.news
On 20 October 2023, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the Prosecutor-General's Office handed over to the court an indictment against Metropolitan Pavel, the abbot of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, who is suspected of "inciting inter-religious hatred" and "justifying the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine", reports the press service of the Prosecutor General’s Office.
According to the investigation, the Lavra abbot allegedly "represented the Russian aggression as an internal civil conflict", and in telephone conversations with believers "incited national and religious discord".
The Office of the Prosecutor General also noted that the accusations against Metropolitan Pavel are confirmed by the conclusions of the relevant expertise.
In addition, the investigation found that the hierarch made statements that allegedly "justified the actions of the Russian Federation" and "offended the religious feelings of Ukrainians".
The sanctions of the articles provide for up to 8 years of imprisonment with confiscation of property.
As reported, Patriarch Bartholomew approved criminal cases against hierarchs of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
Read also
Visit of Pat. Bartholomew Continues with Vespers in Hamptons
Met. Maximos of Selyvria presided over the service at the Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church of the Hamptons.
Pat. Bartholomew Holds Audience With Young Adult Leaders
Fr. Barnabas Powell and Abp. Elpidophoros spoke before an emotional Bartholomew shared his pride in the young Greek Orthodox community.
OCPM Launches Learning Center to Equip Churches for Prison Ministry
New initiative equips Orthodox parishes with training and resources to bring Christ’s love into prisons.
Greek Bishops, Politicians Outraged Over Persecution of UOC
A hierarch from Crete warned that "silence will be written as complicity in history."
Catechumenate Swells to 164 Souls at NC Parish
All Saints Antiochian celebrated 14 baptisms on Holy Saturday, with more baptisms scheduled for September 27.
Mike Johnson Gives Keynote at Reception for Pat. Bartholomew
Other attendees included Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, Deputy Secretary Mike Rigas, and ambassadors from Greece and Cyprus.