![Allegations Mount Against Metropolitan Tied to Russian Church for Disclosing Ukrainian Military Details 2 2024 04 24 16 27 29](https://i0.wp.com/theubj.com/uae/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2024-04-24-16_27_29.png?w=1170)
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has expressed suspicions regarding Metropolitan Arsenii, who is affiliated with the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate. He is accused of disclosing strategic information about the locations of Ukrainian Armed Forces, specifically about their checkpoints, on April 24.
The Ukrainian Orthodox Church with ties to the Moscow Patriarchate has faced ongoing allegations of working in consonance with Russian state interests amidst the conflict, which has been vigorously refuted by its leaders.
Investigators assert that Metropolitan Arsenii, whilst presiding over a service at the Svyatohirsk Lavra in Donetsk Oblast, apparently informed attendees about the whereabouts of Ukrainian military checkpoints in the Kramatorsk district. This revelation was broadcasted via a video that later appeared on the Lavra’s official site and a local Telegram channel.
The SBU has accused Metropolitan Arsenii of attempting to convey the placement of Ukrainian military forces in frontline areas to Russian military forces in a covert manner.
Prior to the all-out invasion by Russia in February 2022, Metropolitan Arsenii was known to promote pro-Russian sentiments, labeling the conflict with Russia as a “civil strife” during his media engagements, according to the SBU.
As the SBU continues its investigation to ascertain the full extent of the accused’s actions, preventative judicial measures are being explored. If found guilty, Metropolitan Arsenii might be sentenced to up to eight years in prison.
Further, the SBU conducted raids on the establishments associated with Archpriest Mykola Danylevych, another high-profile figure within the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate, who is alleged to have endorsed the “Russian world” perspective and condoned Russian military actions.
Insights from enforcement bodies communicated to the Kyiv Independent indicate Archpriest Danylevych’s inclination towards the Russian ideological stance.
FAQs about the Allegations Against Metropolitan Arsenii
- What is Metropolitan Arsenii being accused of?
Metropolitan Arsenii is accused of leaking coordinates of Ukrainian military checkpoints to Russian forces. - What could be the consequences if Metropolitan Arsenii is found guilty?
Metropolitan Arsenii could face a prison sentence of up to eight years if convicted. - Where did Metropolitan Arsenii allegedly disclose this information?
The alleged disclosure took place during a liturgy at the Svyatohirsk Lavra in Donetsk Oblast, which was later shared online. - Has the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate been linked to pro-Russian narratives before?
Yes, the church and some of its clergy, including Metropolitan Arsenii, have been accused of spreading pro-Kremlin narratives and justifying Russia’s actions.
Conclusion
The SBU’s suspicions against Metropolitan Arsenii underscore the ongoing scrutiny of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate and its potential ties to Russian interests during the ongoing conflict. With the investigation still unfolding and the possibility of severe repercussions for the metropolitan, the case highlights the complexities and contentious nature of religious affiliations amidst a backdrop of war.
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