DESS Orders Pochaiv Lavra to Document Separation From Moscow

POCHAIV, UKRAINE — As reported by UOJ-Ukraine, Ukraine's State Service for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience (DESS) has ordered the Holy Dormition Pochaiv Lavra of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) to demonstrate within 30 days that it has ended any affiliation with the Russian Orthodox Church, following the agency's determination that the monastery falls under legislation governing religious organizations with alleged ties to Russia.

According to DESS, the monastery must provide documentary evidence within one month showing that it has withdrawn from the jurisdiction of the Moscow Patriarchate. The order follows an official review by the agency, which concluded that the Lavra is affiliated with a foreign religious organization whose activities are prohibited under Ukrainian law. DESS said the monastery is required to correct the alleged violations within 30 days of receiving the directive.

The Pochaiv Lavra has rejected the agency's conclusions, maintaining that it is part of the canonical UOC, which declared its independence from the Russian Orthodox Church during its 2022 Council. Monastery representatives have repeatedly stated that they do not receive directives, administrative oversight, or financial support from the Moscow Patriarchate and have described similar DESS orders as lacking a factual basis.

The latest order follows DESS' July 22 decision classifying the Pochaiv Lavra as affiliated with the Russian Orthodox Church because it belongs to the Kyiv Metropolia, which the agency has also identified as having ties to Moscow. The monastery now has one month to respond to the directive.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Metr. Gabriel defended the UOC in an appeal to a Ukrainian court.