Ukrainian Court Seizes Yeletsky Monastery from Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Pochaiv Lavra Faces Inventory Dispute

OCP News Service – 21/01/2025

Kyiv – Ukraine: The Supreme Court of Ukraine has ruled to transfer the Yeletsky Monastery in Chernihiv to the management of the Chernihiv Ancient Reserve, effectively removing it from the control of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC).

This decision follows months of escalating tensions, including the closure of several churches by the Ukrainian government under the pretext of restoration. The UOC has consistently maintained that these actions are politically motivated and violate religious freedom.

Meanwhile, the Holy Assumption Pochaiv Lavra is facing a new challenge as representatives of the Kremenets-Pochaiv State Historical and Architectural Reserve attempt to conduct an inventory of the monastery’s movable property, including religious artifacts. The Lavra administration argues that this action is illegal and violates the existing agreement between the monastery and the state.

The inventory includes an attempt to list the relics of St. Job of Pochaiv, which the Lavra considers a grave insult to the religious feelings of monks and believers.

These events highlight the ongoing pressure faced by the UOC in Ukraine, amid a broader crackdown on religious freedom in the country.

Source:

OCP News Service