The SBU has charged the wife of a UOC priest in the Cherkasy region

The Security Service of Ukraine has officially announced that it suspects Kateryna Prykotenko, the wife of the rector of the Ascension Church of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) in the village of Steblev, Cherkasy Oblast. She is accused of “spreading enemy propaganda” based on her personal correspondence with parishioners.

According to a report by “Dozor” on “First Cossack,” a search of Archpriest Nikolai Prikotenko’s home took place a month and a half ago, but the security services have only now made the information public. Kateryna Prykotenko is charged under Article 436-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, with authorities alleging that she allegedly disseminated prohibited content in her correspondence with parishioners throughout 2024.

The investigative operations at the clergyman’s home lasted from early morning until late evening. During the search, SBU and police officers even inspected the family’s yard in search of mobile devices. Ultimately, law enforcement officers seized an empty box from an old phone and an icon of the Holy Royal Martyrs.

According to sources, the criminal case against the wife of the UOC priest may be a means of exerting pressure in connection with attempts by OCU supporters to carry out a hostile takeover of the Church of the Ascension. An illegal re-registration of the parish had previously taken place; however, due to Father Nikolai’s high standing among local residents, an attempt to seize the church by force failed.