Court of Appeals denies UOC right to pray in ancient churches of Chernihiv
The Trinity Monastery of Chernihiv. Photo: wikimedia.org
The Northern Economic Court of Appeals dismissed the latest appeal by the administration of the Chernihiv Eparchy of the UOC against the decision of the Economic Court of the Chernihiv Region, which rejected a claim to extend the right to use the Transfiguration Cathedral and the complex of buildings of the Trinity Monastery, including the eparchial cathedral, as reported on the Ministry of Culture's website on 23 July 2024.
"The administration of the Chernihiv Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church appealed to the court with demands to compel the National Architectural and Historical Reserve 'Ancient Chernihiv' to extend the agreements for free use of the national architectural monument," the ministry's statement said.
It was noted that the court of appeals confirmed that the administration of the Chernihiv Eparchy of the UOC does not have legal grounds to use state-owned property free of charge.
In Chernihiv, the Transfiguration Cathedral, from which the UOC community was expelled in October 2023, was opened to visitors for the first time on June 28. There will now be a fee to enter the Orthodox shrine.
As reported by the UOJ, in March, representatives of the National Reserve "Ancient Chernihiv" along with people in military uniform closed the Chernihiv Holy Trinity complex, sealed the entrance and the buildings on its territory. The relics of Chernihiv saints Theodosius and Philaret, as well as St Laurence of Chernihiv, are located in the Trinity Monastery. The reserve stated that they are "supervising" the shrines, but have not yet decided on the plans for the Trinity Cathedral and declared that the UOC would not be able to return to the churches of Chernihiv "even if they pay rent".
Read also
Petition Warns Canada’s Hate Speech Law Could Criminalize Scripture
Thousands of Canadians have signed a petition urging the Liberal government to drop proposed hate-speech changes that critics warn could criminalize quoting the Bible and other religious texts.
JD Vance: Criticizing Israel Is Not Antisemitism
Vice President JD Vance said opposing Israeli policies is not the same as antisemitism, sparking debate over where criticism of Israel ends and hatred of Jews begins.
First Orthodox Prayer Book Published in Indonesian Language
The first Orthodox prayer book in Indonesian has been published and presented in Bekasi, providing local faithful and new converts with a vital resource for prayer and liturgical life.
OCA Joins Legal Challenge to Illinois Abortion Referral Law
Amicus brief argues mandate violates religious freedom and compels pro-life providers to contradict their faith.
EXCLUSIVE: Leaked Ukrainian Memo Says Religious Freedom is ‘Achilles Heel’
In an emergency strategy meeting held in response to the Society of St. John's Day of Action, D.C.-based Ukrainian lobbyists acknowledged the weight of the religious freedom issue as it pertains to the Ukrainian government’s public perception.
Historic $2.9 Million Bequest Strengthens Greek Orthodox Foundation
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Foundation has received a record $2.9 million bequest from the late Andy Efthim, a devoted layman whose faith-filled generosity will support the Church’s mission for generations.