SBU Uncovers Draft-Evasion Scheme Involving OCU 'Bishop'

Kyrylo Mykhailiuk (right) with a companion. Photo: Mykhailiuk’s Facebook

KYIV — Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) says it has exposed a scheme in which Kyrylo Mykhailiuk, the “bishop” of the schismatic Orthodox Church of Ukraine's (OCU) Uzhhorod–Khust eparchy, allegedly sold certificates falsely identifying draft-eligible men as deacons or priests. This was reported by UOJ-Ukraine with reference to Lviv Media.

According to the SBU ruling, Mykhailiuk “organized the issuing of fake certificates of ordination as a deacon or priest to conscription-eligible individuals in exchange for payment,” convincing Territorial Recruitment Center (TRC) officials that these men were clergy who could not be mobilized. The certificates “create the false impression…that these individuals belong to the clergy, which supposedly cannot take part in combat,” the agency said.

After issuing the fraudulent documents, Mykhailiuk reportedly ordered that the new “clergy” be listed on the eparchy’s website. More than 20 men allegedly obtained illegal ordination certificates.

Earlier, UOJ reported claims from a former OCU cleric that the structure ordains individuals who do not even know the Creed.

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