Skip to content
Edit post

SBU conducts searches at Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, announces charges against associate of Metropolitan Pavlo

by Martin Fornusek February 9, 2024 11:11 AM 1 min read
Orthodox Monks in procession at the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra on July 6, 2023. (Andriy Zhyhaylo/Obozrevatel/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images)
This audio is created with AI assistance

Editor's note: The article was updated after a public confirmation by the SBU.

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) began conducting searches at the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra (monastery) on Feb. 9, the SBU confirmed. An associate of Metropolitan Pavlo, the head of the monastery, was also charged with allegedly organizing "mass provocations," the SBU added.  

The monastery, one of Kyiv's dominant landmarks, was leased to the Moscow Patriarchate-linked Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC-MP) before authorities ordered the restoration of the Lavra's property to the state last year.

The SBU said that the search was related to an unnamed Metropolitan Pavlo's associate, who allegedly collaborated with a known Russian propagandist to instigate demonstrations in 2023.

The individual in question also justified Russia's military aggression against Ukraine and "praised" Russia's military and political leadership.

After 2022 searches of the UOC-MP's premises uncovered pro-Kremlin propaganda and other evidence of pro-Russian sympathies, the government took steps to remove the UOC-MP from controlling the Lavra.

After the termination of the lease, the Culture Ministry ordered the church members to vacate the Lavra in March 2023. The clergymen contested the order and even blocked authorities from accessing the monastery, which appears to be part of the actions that the SBU referred to as a "mass provocation."

In August 2023, a court ordered the UOC-MP to return the Lavra's property to the state.

The SBU said that the individual in question faces several charges and could serve prison time if convicted.

News Feed

6:15 AM  (Updated: )

Russian drone strike in Mykolaiv kills 5, injures 1.

Four people were killed and one 45-year-old woman was hospitalized following the attack, Governor Vitalii Kim said. Search and rescue operations have reportedly been completed.
2:20 PM

Ukraine launches largest drone attack on Moscow.

Russian air defense shot down 70 Ukrainian drones, including 34 in Moscow Oblast, in Ukraine’s largest drone attack on the Russian capital, the Russian Defense Ministry reported on Nov. 10.
4:34 AM

EU preparing 15th sanctions package against Russia, targeting foreign-made parts.

"We have to strengthen anti-sanctions circumvention measures because Russia cannot produce (weaponry) without imported parts, chips and other components," the EU's chief diplomat, Josep Borrell, said at a news conference in Kyiv. "We should use sanctions to isolate Russia's industrial capabilities from imports from other countries."
MORE NEWS

Editors' Picks

Enter your email to subscribe
Please, enter correct email address
Subscribe
* indicates required
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required

Subscribe

* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required
Explaining Ukraine with Kate Tsurkan
* indicates required
Successfuly subscribed
Thank you for signing up for this newsletter. We’ve sent you a confirmation email.