SBU conducts searches in Pochaev Lavra due to suspicions of spreading Russian ideology

In the Ternopil region, the SBU is conducting searches on the territory of the Pochaev Lavra; this is not the first case of intelligence services interfering in the lives of priests and monks.

Ukrainian special services conducted searches in the Pochaev Lavra, which is the property of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate).

It was noted that before the planned searches, questions arose about the dissemination of pro-Russian views by representatives of the Lavra. On the morning of November 30, SBU officers visited the Lavra to conduct search operations. According to sources, the preliminary purpose of the visit was to study the spread of Russian ideology among the Lavra. More detailed information is awaited.

It is important to note that the Pochaev Lavra belongs to the UOC (MP) under an agreement on free use until 2052, signed by the Yanukovych government in 2003.

In April 2023, a video from the Pochaev Lavra appeared online, where believers expressed pro-Russian views. According to them, Putin is “the ruler chosen by God.” They believed that the destruction of peaceful cities in Ukraine was caused by a certain divine right that God gave to Putin. These statements were argued as punishment for “disobedience” to the authorities, in particular to Yanukovych.

Updated:

The Security Service of Ukraine officially confirmed the conduct of searches on the territory of the Lavra. The searches took place as part of a criminal investigation, which concerns the possible influence of the Lavra’s leadership on national discord and hatred.

It is known that representatives of the Lavra published a publication on their website in which they insulted the Jews and also incited hostility against representatives of churches other than the UOC.

The letter also questions the existence of Ukraine as an independent state separate from Russia.

An examination initiated by the Security Service confirmed the presence of statements conducive to inciting ethnic hatred and hatred.

An investigation is being conducted in accordance with Article 161 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, aimed at establishing all the circumstances of the crime.

It should be noted that all activities take place within the framework of current legislation. The Security Service of Ukraine supports the principle of impartiality of any religious denomination and respects the right of every citizen to freedom of worldview and religion, as provided for by the Constitution of Ukraine.

Complex activities are being carried out jointly with the National Police under the procedural leadership of the Ternopil Regional Prosecutor's Office.