Deputy head of Kyiv region SBU fired over interference in church transfers

The deputy head of the SBU, Vasyl Maliuk, has dismissed the deputy head of the SBU Directorate in Kyiv and Kyiv Region, Yuriy Palahniuk, over interference in the transfer of UOC communities to the OCU, reports lb.ua.

On 7 September 2022, the SBU Directorate in Kyiv sent a letter signed by Yuriy Palahniuk to the Darnytsia district state administration, which said that the SBU sees "threats to national security" in the transfers of communities from the UOC to the OCU. 

Yuriy Palahniuk also asked the Department of Culture of the Kyiv Regional State Administration to provide copies of protocols and statutes of the religious community "Parish of the Protection of the Mother of God of the Boryspil Eparchy of the UOC in the village of Trebukhiv in the Brovary district, Kiev region", which was illegally transferred to the OCU.

The SBU said that "these letters were sent on his own initiative and in no way represent the position of the service", adding that the acting head of the SBU made a personnel decision on Yuriy Palahniuk: it goes about his dismissal.

As earlier reported, the SBU said that the transfer of communities from the UOC to the OCU poses a threat to the country's national security.

Read also

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.

EXCLUSIVE: Leaked Ukrainian Memo Says Religious Freedom is ‘Achilles Heel’

In an emergency strategy meeting held in response to the Society of St. John's Day of Action, D.C.-based Ukrainian lobbyists acknowledged the weight of the religious freedom issue as it pertains to the Ukrainian government’s public perception.

Historic $2.9 Million Bequest Strengthens Greek Orthodox Foundation

The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Foundation has received a record $2.9 million bequest from the late Andy Efthim, a devoted layman whose faith-filled generosity will support the Church’s mission for generations.