On May 1, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) undertook search operations at the church affiliated with Moscow’s Metropolitan Luka (Andrii Kovalenko), as confirmed by a law enforcement source to the Kyiv Independent on the same day.
Metropolitan bishop Luka is in charge of the Zaporizhzhia and Melitopol dioceses of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP).
The motivations for the conducted searches have not been disclosed by the source.
The Ukrainian NGO named Chesno, which focuses on transparency in public life, has criticized Kovalenko for disseminating pro-Russian narratives and rationalizing the Russian onslaught on Ukraine.
In 2023, Kovalenko compared the Soviet era suppression of the church under Stalin and Khrushchev as less severe than “what is currently happening in Ukraine,” as reported by Chesno.
Following substantial proof of collaboration between certain UOC-MP members and the invading Russian forces, Ukrainian officials have intervened with the church.
Other religious organizations, including the independent Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) and various Christian and non-Christian congregations, continue their religious practices unhindered in Ukraine, except in Russian-occupied areas where they encounter substantial oppression.
Furthermore, in 2022, Kovalenko purportedly asserted that Ukrainians brought Russian attacks upon themselves by allowing gay parades in the capital, Kyiv.
Last December, Ukrainian officials imposed sanctions on Kovalenko and six additional figures within the UOC-MP.
FAQ:
- What is the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate?
The UOC-MP is a branch of the Russian Orthodox Church operating in Ukraine, with historical and canonical ties to the Moscow Patriarchate. - Why is the SBU conducting searches at the church linked to Metropolitan Luka?
The specific reasons for the searches have not been disclosed, though it follows accusations against Kovalenko for pro-Russian propaganda. - What are the implications of UOC-MP members allegedly colluding with Russian forces?
Such collusion could place the church under scrutiny of Ukrainian authorities and lead to potential action against members accused of aiding the enemy during wartime. - Are other religious groups also persecuted in Russian-occupied territories?
Yes, in territories occupied by Russia, religious groups other than those conforming to Moscow’s brand of Orthodoxy face severe persecution.
Conclusion:
The recent searches by the Ukrainian SBU at a church associated with Metropolitan Luka reflect ongoing tensions between Ukraine and religious institutions with ties to Russia amidst the backdrop of the wider conflict. The situation underscores the complexity of religious affiliations in a war environment where allegiances are often scrutinized for potential threats to national security. These developments emphasize the necessity for ongoing vigilance by Ukrainian authorities in maintaining the integrity of their national institutions and ensuring that all religious entities within the country adhere to the principles that support Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.
Note: We, TheUBJ, present this rewritten news content sourced from diverse internet platforms using AI news feed technology. Ownership and creation of the original content is not claimed by us. The initial https://kyivindependent.com/sources-sbu-carries-out-searches-at-metropolitan-of-moscow-linked-church/ link is referenced for further information.