Lawyer: Lavra's defense will challenge illegal sealing of buildings in court

The police block the buildings of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. Photo: UOJ

The defense of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra (a monastery of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church) is appealing the actions of the National Reserve of the same name in court, whose representatives, with the strong support of the police, are sealing off the monastery buildings. This was said on his Telegram channel by the lawyer of the monastery, Archpriest Nikita Chekman.

“A lawsuit has been prepared in which we request to declare the order, according to which these illegal and arbitrary sealings and blockings of the buildings are committed by the reserve, invalid without waiting for any court decision,” said Fr. Nikita.

As the UOJ reported, on July 6, 2023, the reserve commission, with the help of the police, seized and sealed off three buildings of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, including the residence of the Primate of the UOC. On July 11, two more buildings were sealed off.

Read also

ROCOR Priest Reflects on Trip to Capitol Hill

Archpriest Victor Boldewskul participated in the Society of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco's Day of Action to raise awareness about the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

Hundreds of Chinese Christians Arrested in Pre-Christmas Crackdown

Hundreds of Chinese Christians face spending Christmas in detention after authorities launched a sweeping pre-holiday crackdown on churches under Beijing’s campaign to control religious life.

Ukraine Adviser: UOC Not Banned, but Offered a 'Choice' of Jurisdictions

A Ukrainian presidential adviser said the UOC is not banned but pressured to choose between joining the OCU, submitting to Constantinople, or remaining unregistered, while dismissing international concerns as propaganda.

Indiana Reports 98% Drop in Abortions Under Stricter Law

Indiana’s latest health report shows a 98% drop in reported abortions under stricter laws, though dozens still occurred under legal exceptions and concerns persist about unreported pill abortions.

Armenian Apostolic Church Pushes Back on Political Encroachment

The Armenian Apostolic Church plans to appeal to international bodies to resist government interference and defend its clergy and sacred relics.

Attempted Takeover at Armenian Etchmiadzin Cathedral Thwarted by Faithful

Supporters of Armenian PM Pashinyan attempted to storm Etchmiadzin Cathedral amid calls for the Catholicos’s resignation but were blocked by parishioners and security.