Ex-MP praises SBU for key role in banning UOC

SBU. Photo: unn.ua

Former MP Oleksandr Chernenko praised the work of the head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) Vasyl Maliuk for his work to ban the UOC, reports TSN.

He emphasized that the key role in the Church policy belongs to the security agency, as since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Russia criminal proceedings against more than 100 representatives of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church were opened on the materials of the SBU. “Almost 50 of them have already received notices of suspicion, and 25 have received court verdicts,” he said.

Chernenko stressed that the SBU's evidence had influenced public opinion: “Sociological polls showed that the absolute majority supported the ban of the UOC-MP. This, in turn, probably prompted the MPs to take the relevant decision.”

The expert also recalled that after Vasyl Maliuk was appointed head of the SBU, for the first time since independence, the service began to systematically expose these “accomplices of the Kremlin”. “Before the vote in the first reading, Maliuk addressed the deputies with a letter in which he explicitly stated that the UOC-MP is a structural subdivision of the ROC in Ukraine,” he added.

According to the former MP, the SBU criminal cases have nothing to do with pressure on church circles.

As earlier reported by the UOJ, Robert Amsterdam called the KIIS poll on the UOC ban fraudulent.

Read also

In Ukraine, Trump’s 'spiritual advisor' reassured of religious freedom

Pastor Mark Burns stated that Ukraine, despite the war, is a "beacon of religious freedom."

Lavra brethren congratulate Metropolitan Pavel on 31 years as abbot

The monks of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra have expressed hope that they will soon be able to pray again with their abbot.

Amsterdam: Intrusion into Lavra Caves – a return to Soviet-era persecution

International lawyer Robert Amsterdam has condemned the actions of Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture regarding the inspection of holy relics in the Caves of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, calling it a violation of religious freedom.

Over 20 EU states condemn Hungary for ban on LGBT propaganda among children

“This restricts the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression,” diplomats state in a joint declaration.

His Beatitude officiates consecration of Bishop of Rakhiv

At the Church of St. Agapitus in the Lavra, the Primate of the UOC ordained a vicar for the Khust Eparchy.

Met Victor: It is painful to see Lavra's relics turned into test subjects

According to the bishop, there is particular concern over how members of the scientific commission will handle the holy relics.