Kiev, September 19, 2024
vvedenskiy.kiev.ua
Representatives of the Ukrainian state launched the search of yet another monastery of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church yesterday morning.
Officers of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) conducted searches at the Monastery of the Entrance of the Theotokos in Kiev in relation to two criminal cases, UOC lawyer Archpriest Nikita Chekman explained.
Over the past two years, SBU and other law enforcement representatives have searched dozens of monasteries, churches, diocesan administrations, and private episcopal homes. The authorities have been known to plant fake evidence in some cases.
“The Security Service of Ukraine officers inspected all the premises of the monastery. During the searches, personal cell phones were confiscated from two monks, as well as a computer and a flash drive,” Fr. Nikita said about yesterday’s search.
Several lawyers were alerted and arrived at the monastery during the search, providing support to the monks and the monastery’s resident monk-lawyer, Fr. Aristarkh (Karagovnik).
“SBU employees didn’t conduct searches in the premises where our colleague carries out his legal activities,” emphasized Fr. Nikita.
He expressed gratitude to his colleagues for their support, as well as to all who pray for the holy monastery and the lawyers.
All services are being celebrated according to the normal schedule, Fr. Nikita noted.
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