Police Open Investigation Into Actions of Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Reserve Officials

KYIV — Ukrainian law enforcement authorities have opened criminal proceedings concerning actions taken by officials of the National Reserve “Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra” following a court order related to an ongoing property dispute involving monastery buildings used by the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC).

According to Archpriest Nikita Chekman, police entered the case into the Unified Register of Pre-Trial Investigations on June 17 under Article 356 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code, which addresses alleged arbitrariness. The investigation stems from complaints regarding Buildings No. 41 and No. 42 at the Lavra complex, where access was reportedly restricted for members of the monastery brotherhood.

As reported by UOJ-Ukraine, the dispute centers on allegations that reserve officials changed locks and assumed control of the buildings before courts had issued final rulings in the broader property case. Representatives of the monastery contend that such actions were unlawful and circumvented the judicial process. Chekman argued that legal disagreements over property rights should be resolved through court decisions rather than unilateral administrative measures.

As part of the pre-trial investigation, authorities are expected to determine whether any laws were violated and identify individuals responsible for the actions under review. The opening of criminal proceedings does not constitute a finding of wrongdoing but authorizes investigators to examine the facts and gather evidence.

The case is the latest development in a series of disputes involving the management and use of facilities at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Holy Trinity Church in Ukraine was set for an OCU takeover after Pentecost.