Priests of the Cherkasy Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church receive provocative messages from an “employee of the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service”

The Cherkasy Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church reports that clergymen in the Cherkasy region are receiving provocative messages from someone claiming to be an employee of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service. The diocese is convinced that the purpose of such provocation is to initiate criminal cases against clergy of the UOC in the region. This was reported by the Telegram channel of the Cherkasy Diocese of the UOC.

«Dear clergy of the Cherkasy Diocese! We urge you to be vigilant and cautious! Recently, a number of priests have begun receiving provocative messages in their messengers, clearly written with the aim of further accusing the clergy of illegal and subversive activities. The messages may come from both Ukrainian and Russian numbers (we are attaching some screenshots of these messages). Do not believe them and do not respond to them. These are provocateurs whose task is to bring criminal cases against you under various articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, with subsequent accusations and convictions,» — the press service of the Cherkasy Diocese of the UOC said.

The diocese added that such provocations are far from the first. Previously, priests also received calls from “employees of the Moscow Patriarchate” who made provocative and absurd proposals. The statement urges people not to believe the provocateurs and not to respond to such messages and calls.

«In addition, over the past two years, some high-ranking priests have repeatedly received calls from alleged ‘officials of the Moscow Patriarchate’ with various absurd requests and proposals. Despite their fake Russian accent, the provocateurs gave themselves away with their amateurish understanding of church matters and their keen interest in ‘cooperation’. Be vigilant! Do not believe them! Take screenshots of such requests and the numbers from which they were sent. Do not engage in communication with provocateurs!», — added the Cherkasy Diocese.