Security service raided a historic monastery in Kyiv as a counter-intelligence measure and to stop possible attacks from the Russian side, writes BBC.
Ukraine’s security service raided The Kyiv Pechersk Lavra Christian monastery. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the history of the monastery dates back to the 11th century. The reason for the raid in the monastery and several other Orthodox churches is the possible support of the Russian war from the clergy. Ukraine’s Orthodox Church split from the Moscow patriarchate when the war began, but there is information that it still covertly supports Moscow.
Last week the video surfaced in which pro-Russian propaganda was sung in church, referring to the awakening of Mother Russia. Another clergyman was charged with making propaganda leaflets to support Russia.
Kremlin’s answer to raids was the acussation of war against the Orthodox Church, and violence against believers. The Head of the Russian Church, Patriarch Kirill, is known for his support of Russia’s president Vladimir Putin. He often refers to the war in Ukraine as significant to the struggle against sin and Western «gay parades». Patriarch also hinted that Russian troops in Ukraine are something of holy martyrs.
Meanwhile, the raids are welcomed in Ukraine. Despite the schism, there still are doubts as to whom the Orthodox church is loyal. Ukrainian political analyst Valentyn Hladkykh said the clergy and believers ultimately had to decide who they served: «God or the Kremlin executioner.»
The main reason for the raids was to prevent an increased risk of attack, sabotage, and hostage-taking in places that attracted large groups of citizens.