Two Moscow Patriarchate monks suspected of sexually abusing choir girl in Kharkiv Oblast
Law enforcement officers suspect two servants of a Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC MP) monastery of committing sexual offenses against a minor girl who sang in the church choir, according to the National Police of Ukraine and the Office of the Prosecutor General.
Investigators established that a 52-year-old monk responsible for baking invited at least one girl to his home under the pretext of offering her sweets. After the treats, he forced her to go to the bathroom and take a shower, where he photographed and filmed her.
The girl told investigators she was systematically subjected to sexual violence by the clergyman. According to her, he would first give her alcohol so she could not resist.
The monk in question has been charged under Part 1 of Article 155 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (sexual acts with a person under 16) and Part 3 of Article 301-1 (obtaining access to child pornography).
Investigators also suspect a 24-year-old hieromonk who, in October 2024 while intoxicated, allegedly lured the same underage girl into the basement of one of the monastery buildings and committed sexual acts against her.
The suspect admitted his guilt, and law enforcement charged him under Part 1 of Article 155 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
Both suspects face up to 15 years in prison. They are also banned from holding similar positions for up to three years.
“We are dealing with immoral crimes where children became victims. People who should have been examples of spirituality and protectors of the vulnerable instead exploited children’s trust to satisfy their own cynical needs,” said Yuriy Papusha, head of the Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutor’s Office.
The National Police also noted that at the end of January 2026, the Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutor’s Office and the Security Service of Ukraine charged another clergyman from the same church for publicly humiliating Ukrainians and justifying Russia’s armed aggression.