OCU "chaplain" faces 12 years for "trading" police positions
OCU "priest" Taras Volianiuk. Photo: facebook.com/taras.vol
In Rivne, OCU chaplain Taras Volianiuk, who "traded" positions in the police, may be sentenced to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property, the Rivne Regional Prosecutor's Office reports.
In Rivne, a policeman with an accomplice "sold" to a patrolman a leading position in one of the interdistrict police departments for $ 100,000. One of the scammers was the 41-year-old "priest" of the OCU, "archpriest" Taras Volianiuk. On November 6, 2020, while receiving the $ 21,400 advance, the defendants were detained.
Two weeks ago, Volianiuk wrote an application for being outstaffed. It became known that the "priest" was a chaplain of the OCU, but immediately after this incident, he was removed from office. In fact, while still remaining a “priest,” he does not conduct “divine services”.
The Rivne Regional Prosecutor's Office sent indictments to the Rivne City Court against 2 persons who are charged with an unfinished attempt to take possession of other people's property by deception and abuse of trust (fraud), committed on an especially large scale and by prior conspiracy by a group of persons (Part 3 of Article 15, Part 4 of Article 190 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). The sanction of the article provides for punishment in the form of imprisonment for a term of 5 to 12 years with confiscation of property.
Read also
Abducted Ukrainian Deacon Dies During Military Training
Abducted and conscripted Ukrainian deacon Orest Cherny, known for his devotion and sacred singing, tragically died at age 46 during military training, leaving a legacy of faith and humility.
Court Hearing on Expulsion of Monks from Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Postponed Again
A long-delayed monastery lawsuit against a sanctuary faces yet another indefinite postponement after the presiding judge went on sick leave.
OCA Clergy Gather for Winter Synaxis Focused on Renewal and Resilience
More than 100 OCA clergy gathered online for the Winter 2025 Synaxis to pray, learn, and reflect on sustaining pastoral ministry and avoiding burnout through renewal in Christ.
Trump Administration Moves to Ban Federally Funded Transgender Procedures for Minors
The Trump administration is moving to bar federally funded hospitals from performing transgender medical procedures on minors, citing evidence of harm and a duty to protect children.
Bp. Theodosius: Ukraine's Authorities Classify Icons as Works of Art and Relics as Mummies
ROCOR hierarch links current policies toward holy sites and clergy to Soviet-era repression, calls for prayer and respect for religious freedom.
Society of St. John's Day of Action Gives Hope Persecution of UOC May Subside, Analyst Says
Political scientist says congressional outreach and high-level U.S. statements signal possible shift in response to persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.