"New owners" banned: MinCult complains about UOC parish of Kaniv Cathedral
The Dormition Cathedral in Kaniv. Photo: Suspilne
In Kaniv, a commission from Ukraine's Ministry of Culture reported that the UOC community did not allow them into the Dormition Cathedral, according to Suspilne.
As of September 6, 2024, following a ruling by Ukraine's Supreme Court, the cathedral was transferred to state ownership and placed under the management of the Kaniv National Shevchenko Reserve.
According to the head of the reserve, Valentyna Kovalenko, the commission was met by Father Heorhii and the UOC community. Father Heorhii stated, "Our church has been here since day one," and responded to accusations of affiliation with the Moscow Patriarchate by saying they were baseless since there is no mention of the MP in the UOC’s documents. The commission was only allowed to inspect the exterior of the cathedral because, according to Father Heorhii, permission from the Kyiv Eparchy to access the interior had not been granted.
Father Heorhii emphasized that most of the repairs to the cathedral and its surroundings had been funded by the UOC, and therefore, the inventory of property should be conducted under the community's supervision.
"We came to bare walls. There wasn’t even a proper floor here. We did everything to make this cathedral a jewel not only of our city but of the entire Orthodox world. We will comply with the court's decision. But we want this to be done in a civilized manner. We will act in a way that ensures we can look each other in the eye without shame," he said.
The UOC cleric also noted that 200–300 people regularly attend liturgies at the cathedral and that the UOC community has the right to continue praying in the church.
Eventually, both parties agreed to expand the commission and meet again next week. Valentyna Kovalenko added that in the future, the cathedral is planned to house an exhibition for visitors and to be offered for religious services through a rental competition organized by the State Property Fund.
As previously reported by the UOJ, the Court of Appeal upheld the decision to transfer the Kaniv UOC cathedral to state ownership.
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.