Metropolitan Vissarion

Metropolitan Vissarion of Ovruch and Korosten

A hierarch of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, ruling bishop of the Ovruch and Korosten Eparchy since June 22, 1993.

The criminal case against Metropolitan Vissarion became one of the most high-profile episodes of pressure exerted on hierarchs of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

According to law enforcement agencies, he was accused of actions classified as incitement of religious hatred and a threat to state security, in connection with his public position in defense of the canonical status of the UOC. The Metropolitan himself and his defense insist that the case concerns not political activity, but the fulfillment of his pastoral duty and the expression of theological views.

On June 1, 2023, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) served a notice of suspicion on Metropolitan Vissarion of Ovruch and Korosten. The UOC hierarch was suspected of inciting interreligious enmity, the SBU press service reported.

The SBU also stated that a notice of suspicion was served on the secretary of the Ovruch Eparchy of the UOC.

According to the investigation, Metropolitan Vissarion allegedly “personally prepared the texts of pro-Kremlin leaflets and brochures” with a total print run of 50,000 copies. These materials were later distributed among members of the religious community by the diocesan secretary, the SBU added.

“In these ‘agitational materials’, he offended the religious feelings of Ukrainians, demeaned the views of believers of other confessions, and attempted to form hostile attitudes toward them. <…> Based on the conclusions of expert examinations and the collected evidence, both individuals were notified of suspicion under Part 2, Article 28 and Part 2, Article 161,” the agency stated.

The SBU publicly disseminated accusations that were demonstrably unfounded, as indicated by the very articles of the Criminal Code imputed to the hierarch.

Law enforcement authorities deliberately used the term “pro-Kremlin” in order to organize a campaign of harassment against the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

Ultimately, Metropolitan Vissarion was served with a notice of suspicion under Part 2, Article 28 and Part 2, Article 161 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine – incitement of interreligious hatred and the commission of an offense by a group of persons.

There were no accusations related to high treason or cooperation with representatives of the aggressor state.

(Source: Official website of the SBU)

Court hearings in the case against Metropolitan Vissarion are ongoing.

The trial of the Metropolitan continues.