Russian Security Service Thwarts Alleged Assassination Plot Against Orthodox Metropolitan

The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) has announced the thwarting of a planned terrorist attack against Metropolitan Tikhon of the Russian Orthodox Church. The alleged plot, orchestrated by Ukrainian military intelligence, targeted the head of the Simferopol and Crimean diocese during his visit to Moscow.

Two individuals, a Russian and a Ukrainian citizen, were arrested in connection with the plot. The Ukrainian suspect, identified as Denis Popovich, confessed to working as an aide to Tikhon while secretly gathering intelligence on him. He claimed that Ukrainian intelligence threatened his family's safety if he refused to cooperate and tasked him with recruiting a co-conspirator for the assassination.

The suspects allegedly planned to plant explosives in Tikhon's residential quarters at the Sretensky Monastery, a historically and religiously significant Orthodox site in Moscow. They intended to flee Russia using forged documents provided by Ukrainian intelligence.

The FSB seized a homemade explosive device and two fake Ukrainian passports from the detainees. The agency also released a video of Popovich confessing to his involvement in the plot.

Metropolitan Tikhon is considered a close spiritual advisor to Russian President Vladimir Putin. He has never confirmed this, stating that it is up to Putin to reveal his sources of spiritual guidance. Tikhon's book, "Everyday Saints and Other Stories," is a bestseller in Russia, with over 2 million copies sold.