Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the top security agency of the country, notified the famed Orthodox leader Metropolitan Pavel that he was suspected of justifying the aggression of Russia which is a criminal offence.

Pavel, the abbot of Ukraine’s most revered Orthodox site 'Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra monastery', has resisted the order of the authorities to vacate the complex.

Earlier this week, he cursed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and threatened him with damnation.

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During a court hearing held in Kyiv, the metropolitan rejected SBU's claim that he condoned the invasion of Russia. The accusations were described by Pavel as politically driven.

“I have never been on the side of aggression. This is my land,” said Pavel in the courthouse.

The Orthodox leader's residence was raided was SBU agents and prosecutors appealed to the court to put Pavel under house arrest till the investigation is over.

The court hearing was adjourned on Saturday until Monday after the metropolitan stated that the leader was not feeling well.

The monks living in the monastery are part of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church which is facing the accusation of having links with Russia.

Dozens of supporters of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church protested outside the monastery on Saturday, as they sang hymns in the rain. Another group of protesters also reached, accusing the monastery of sympathising with Russia.

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“They wash the brains of people with Russian support, and they are very dangerous for Ukraine,” said a 38-year-old protester, Senia Kravchuk, from Kyiv. “They sing songs in support of Russia, and that’s horrible, here, in the centre of Kyiv,” he added.

“Look at me. I’m in priest’s clothes, with a Ukrainian flag and a cross around my neck. Could you say that I’m pro-Russian? The priests are currently singing a Ukrainian hymn, and they’re being called pro-Russian. Can you believe it?” said another protester David.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the top security agency of the country, notified the famed Orthodox leader Metropolitan Pavel that he was suspected of justifying the aggression of Russia which is a criminal offence.

Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the top security agency of the country, notified the famed Orthodox leader Metropolitan Pavel that he was suspected of justifying the aggression of Russia which is a criminal offence. Pavel, the abbot of Ukraine’s most revered Orthodox site 'Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra monastery', has resisted the order of the authorities to vacate the complex. Earlier this week, he cursed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and threatened him with damnation. ALSO READ | Ukraine orders 100 Rosomak armoured vehicles from Poland During a court hearing held in Kyiv, the metropolitan rejected SBU's claim that he condoned the invasion of Russia. The accusations were described by Pavel as politically driven. “I have never been on the side of aggression. This is my land,” said Pavel in the courthouse. The Orthodox leader's residence was raided was SBU agents and prosecutors appealed to the court to put Pavel under house arrest till the investigation is over. The court hearing was adjourned on Saturday until Monday after the metropolitan stated that the leader was not feeling well. The monks living in the monastery are part of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church which is facing the accusation of having links with Russia. Dozens of supporters of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church protested outside the monastery on Saturday, as they sang hymns in the rain. Another group of protesters also reached, accusing the monastery of sympathising with Russia. WATCH | Belarus says fighting in Ukraine should stop immediately “They wash the brains of people with Russian support, and they are very dangerous for Ukraine,” said a 38-year-old protester, Senia Kravchuk, from Kyiv. “They sing songs in support of Russia, and that’s horrible, here, in the centre of Kyiv,” he added. “Look at me. I’m in priest’s clothes, with a Ukrainian flag and a cross around my neck. Could you say that I’m pro-Russian? The priests are currently singing a Ukrainian hymn, and they’re being called pro-Russian. Can you believe it?” said another protester David. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Ukraine's SBU demands house arrest for famed Orthodox leader

A Ukrainian court has ordered house arrest for a Kyiv-based church cleric who is said to have ties with Russia.

A court in Kyiv on Saturday pronounced the order after finding Metropolitan Pavel guilty of glorifying Russian invasion and stoking religious divisions.

Pavel is the abbot of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra monastery—said to be Ukraine’s most revered Orthodox site. His branch of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) was previously loyal to Moscow clergy.

Following the court’s ruling, Pavel was made to wear an electronic bracelet near his ankle, despite his objections that he has diabetes. The house arrest will last two months.

“I am accepting this,” he said shortly before the bracelet was attached. “Christ was crucified on the cross, so why shouldn’t I accept this?”, reports AP news agency.

Russia’s TASS state news agency said the court ordered Pavel to live in a village some 40km (25 miles) southeast of Kyiv.

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It comes as Kyiv has been clamping down on the UOC for its alleged pro-Russian stance and ties with Moscow—a charge the church denies. Earlier this week, Pavel had cursed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, threatening him with damnation.

Since the start of 2022, the Ukrainian government has opened criminal cases against 61 UOC clergy, with seven found guilty.

Moreover, the agencies have raided numerous holy sites of the church and allegedly found roubles, Russian passports and leaflets with messages from the Moscow patriarch as proof that some church officials have been loyal to Russia.

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Many Orthodox communities in Ukraine have cut their ties with the UOC and transitioned to the rival Orthodox Church of Ukraine after receiving recognition from the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople more than four years ago.

Even though the UOC has insisted that it’s loyal to Ukraine and has denounced the Russian invasion, Ukrainian security agencies believe that some in the church have maintained close ties with Moscow.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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A Ukrainian court has ordered house arrest for a Kyiv-based church cleric who is said to have ties with Russia. A court in Kyiv on Saturday pronounced the order after finding Metropolitan Pavel guilty of glorifying Russian invasion and stoking religious divisions.

A Ukrainian court has ordered house arrest for a Kyiv-based church cleric who is said to have ties with Russia. A court in Kyiv on Saturday pronounced the order after finding Metropolitan Pavel guilty of glorifying Russian invasion and stoking religious divisions. Pavel is the abbot of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra monastery—said to be Ukraine’s most revered Orthodox site. His branch of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) was previously loyal to Moscow clergy. Following the court’s ruling, Pavel was made to wear an electronic bracelet near his ankle, despite his objections that he has diabetes. The house arrest will last two months. “I am accepting this,” he said shortly before the bracelet was attached. “Christ was crucified on the cross, so why shouldn’t I accept this?”, reports AP news agency. Russia’s TASS state news agency said the court ordered Pavel to live in a village some 40km (25 miles) southeast of Kyiv. Ukraine calls Russia's UNSC Presidency as 'the worst joke ever' It comes as Kyiv has been clamping down on the UOC for its alleged pro-Russian stance and ties with Moscow—a charge the church denies. Earlier this week, Pavel had cursed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, threatening him with damnation. Since the start of 2022, the Ukrainian government has opened criminal cases against 61 UOC clergy, with seven found guilty. Moreover, the agencies have raided numerous holy sites of the church and allegedly found roubles, Russian passports and leaflets with messages from the Moscow patriarch as proof that some church officials have been loyal to Russia. Also read | Slovakia accused of violating international obligations in Russian weapons’ transfer to Ukraine Many Orthodox communities in Ukraine have cut their ties with the UOC and transitioned to the rival Orthodox Church of Ukraine after receiving recognition from the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople more than four years ago. Even though the UOC has insisted that it’s loyal to Ukraine and has denounced the Russian invasion, Ukrainian security agencies believe that some in the church have maintained close ties with Moscow. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Ukrainian court puts Orthodox Church cleric with alleged Russia ties under house arrest

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Ukraine's SBU demands house arrest for famed Orthodox leader

Ukrainian court puts Orthodox Church cleric with alleged Russia ties under house arrest