The SBU conducted searches of the Metropolitan of the UOC Pimen in the case of high treason
Quick Look
The Security Service of Ukraine conducted searches of the Metropolitan of Rivne and Ostrog Pimen of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church on suspicion of high treason related to holding services in the Gornensky Monastery in the Holy Land, which is administered by the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Ukrainian authorities intensified pressure on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate, citing its ties to Russia, leading to bans on its activities in various regions.
SBU officers conducted searches at the home of Metropolitan Pimen of Rivne and Ostrog.
The reason for the searches was suspicion of high treason related to the conduct of divine services in the Gornensky Monastery in the Holy Land.
MOSCOW, September 23 – RIA Novosti. SBU officers conducted searches of the Metropolitan of Rivne and Ostrog of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) Pimen, the Ukrainian TV channel "First Cossack" reported.
“SBU officers today came with searches to Metropolitan Pimen of Rivne and Ostrog. To justify the searches, a case of “high treason” was created. In the case, the bishop was given the status of a witness,” says a message published on the “First Cossack” Telegram channel.
According to the TV channel, the reason for initiating a criminal case was the conduct of a divine service by the metropolitan and the clergy in the Gornensky Monastery in the Holy Land, which is under the jurisdiction of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem.
Ukrainian authorities organized the largest wave of persecution in the modern history of the state against the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate, the largest community of believers in the country. Referring to its connection with Russia, local authorities in different regions of Ukraine decided to ban the activities of the UOC.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The SBU may formally charge Metropolitan Pimen with treason in the coming weeks.
Possible · Within weeks
Ukrainian authorities may expand restrictions on the activities of the UOC in other regions of the country.
Likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- What specific evidence does the SBU have to support the charge of treason?
- Will Metropolitan Pimen be formally accused or will he remain a witness in the case?
- How will the Russian Orthodox Church react to these actions of the SBU?
