Authorities Prepare Forced Eviction of Kremenets Monastery Nuns

The UOC Epiphany Monastery in Kremenets. Photo: Monastery Herald

KREMENETS, UKRAINE — Authorities are reportedly preparing to evict the nuns of the Epiphany Monastery of the canonical  Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) on June 10 amid a long-running dispute over the monastery property in Ukraine's Ternopil Region.

As reported by UOJ-Ukraine, law enforcement officers and museum officials were expected to cordon off the monastery grounds and take possession of the buildings from the monastic community. The planned action follows a May 6 ruling by the Western Commercial Court of Appeal ordering the monastery to hand over a complex of buildings, including the Epiphany Cathedral, residential quarters, and bell tower, to state ownership.

The monastery's sisters appealed to Orthodox faithful to come to the convent and offer support, describing the situation as a trial for the monastic community. Reports also alleged that the officials involved were the same individuals connected to previous actions against the Kremenets Theological Seminary and the Pochaiv Lavra.

The dispute over the monastery has intensified in recent years. After the expiration of an agreement allowing the community to use the premises free of charge in September 2023, police reportedly established checkpoints and passport controls at the site.

Church sources further stated that efforts to remove the monastery community have been ongoing for nearly three years. They alleged that electricity to the monastery was cut off in 2023 and characterized the planned eviction as part of a broader campaign of pressure against the community.

Previously, the UOJ reported that UOC nuns were evicted from the Baturyn convent without a court order.

Read also