Metropolitan Alexander (Drabinko) leaving Ukraine for an indefinite period

Metropolitan Alexander (Drabinko) is leaving Ukraine. He said this after testifying in the Pechersk court, which was held behind closed doors, reports a UOJ correspondent.

Drabinko said that the session was closed due to his departure and professional activities. Answering a question of the UOJ correspondent, where he was going, the Metropolitan replied that it was a secret.

How long the Metropolitan is leaving the country "will depend on how well he will be welcomed," he said.

Drabinko explained that in connection with his professional activities, he cannot be tied to a "court or any other action." "I need to go to those places where I am invited to hold services," he said.

In his turn, the defendant's counsel said that Drabinko did not provide any documents confirming the trip.

The court hearings were attended by Drabinko and his lawyer, Judge Babenko and a counsel for the defense. The questioning began at 17:30 and ended at 21.15 on November 18. A motion of the defense counsel seeking the disqualification of Judge Babenko was rejected by the court.

The defense counsel accused the judge of bias, since she approved holding the questioning "behind closed doors", in the absence of the press and the people's deputies. The questioning behind closed doors was allowed due to Drabinko’s going abroad for a long time.