Russian Orthodox Parish in Switzerland Faces Eviction After 80 Years
Bern’s Russian Orthodox parish faces eviction after 80 years, with overcrowding and refugee influx fueling a legal dispute.
BERN, SWITZERLAND — A Russian Orthodox parish in Bern faces possible eviction from its current location of 80 years, following a legal dispute with the Evangelical Lutheran congregation that holds the lease. A civil court hearing is scheduled for March 10 to resolve the matter.
The Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Parish, part of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR), has worshipped in a basement crypt of the Antonierhaus since 1944. The parish, one of Switzerland’s oldest Orthodox communities, was founded in 1816. The building is owned by the City of Bern, which leases it to the Lutheran congregation. The Lutherans terminated the sublease three years ago, prompting the Orthodox parish to challenge the decision in court, arguing it exceeds the landlord’s rights.
Sources indicate the dispute concerns overcrowding rather than politics, as the crypt accommodates 30–50 people. Following a surge of Orthodox refugees from Ukraine, the parish now regularly hosts Ukrainians and Russians worshipping together. Parish priest Fr. Vladimir Svistun emphasized that prayers for Patr. Kirill are part of liturgical tradition, not political commentary.
Previously, the UOJ reported that St. Catherine’s Monastery faced closure and eviction in Egypt.
