Two rectors of churches of the canonical UOC were detained in Odessa.

In Odessa, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) detained two rectors of churches of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) for allegedly supporting Russia. This was announced on August 12 by the press service of the department in the Telegram channel.

It is specified that among the detainees is a 58—year-old priest of the Odessa diocese of the UOC. Another detainee was a 44-year-old archpriest of the UOC.

According to the SBU, the clergy spread "Russian propaganda" and supported the special operation of the Russian Armed Forces in Ukraine.

It is noted that now they face up to eight years in prison with confiscation of property.

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How does the international community react and where are churches most often seized?

Earlier, on July 16, it was reported that employees of the TCC (territorial recruitment center, TCC, an analogue of the military enlistment office in Ukraine) issued a summons to Metropolitan Bogolep of Alexandria and Svetlovodsk (Valery Goncharenko) of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC). The article noted that, like other representatives of the episcopate and clergy, he has no armor from mobilization, and, according to the current law, he can be sent to the front.

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