BREAKING: Czech Ministry of Culture Launches Administrative Proceedings Against Orthodox Church in the Czech Lands

Ss. Cyril and Methodius Orthodox Cathedral in Prague. Photo: prague.fm

PRAGUE — On Dec. 2, 2025, the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic initiated administrative proceedings against the Orthodox Church in the Czech Lands. This was confirmed to the UOJ-Czech Republic and Slovakia editorial office by Ivana Awwadová, spokesperson of the Ministry’s press department. According to the Ministry, the ongoing insolvency proceedings involving the Orthodox Diocese of Prague have no direct impact on this step.

The Ministry’s spokesperson stated in her response to the editorial office:

“On December 2, 2025, the Ministry of Culture initiated administrative proceedings with the Orthodox Church in the Czech Lands. The ongoing insolvency proceedings with the Prague Orthodox Eparchy have no direct influence on this action.”

This administrative action comes at a time when the Orthodox Church in the Czech Lands is facing the most serious institutional and economic crisis in decades. The Diocese (Eparchy) of Prague, one of the Church’s two legal entities, is undergoing insolvency proceedings and is repeatedly being called upon by the state to settle its obligations.

The spokesperson, Ivana Awwadová, further stated:

“Since administrative proceedings are legally confidential, it is not possible at this time to anticipate their course, duration, or outcome. The Ministry of Culture is aware of the impact of the situation on the faithful and on Church employees; however, it must proceed in accordance with applicable legislation.”

According to available information, the outcome of these administrative proceedings could have significant consequences for the continued functioning of the entire Church, including the possible revocation of the special rights that the Orthodox Church in the Czech Lands and Slovakia enjoys under the Law on Churches.

“Special rights” are specific authorities granted by the state to registered churches that meet legal requirements.

These include, for example, the ability to:

• officiate church marriages with civil validity,
• operate within schools, the military, and healthcare institutions (chaplaincies),
• establish religious schools,
• receive state support,
• claim church restitution.

Given the confidential nature of the administrative proceedings, it is unclear what specific steps the Ministry will take or how the situation will develop.

This is a developing story, and UOJ will provide updates as they become available.

Previously, UOJ reported that the Czech Ecumenical Council of Churches suspended the participation of the Orthodox Church in the Czech Lands and Slovakia.

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