UOC Legal Dept comments on MinCulture's threat to seal Lavra's buildings
Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. Photo: sportishka.com
The Legal Department of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church stated that the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra National Reserve does not have any grounds for sealing the monastery buildings, reports news.church.ua.
The UOC will challenge the unilateral termination of the contract in court, the Legal Department added.
"Now the court has not made any decision on this matter. Accordingly, the reserve does not have any legal grounds for such actions, and the demand to vacate the buildings and hand over the keys to the reserve is illegal and should be considered as arbitrariness," the UOC’s Legal Department noted.
The Legal Department of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church called on the reserve and the members of the commission not to violate the law and wait for the legal decision of the court.
As a reminder, on June 30, 2023, a letter was sent to the address of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra from the reserve, in which it is said that a commission was created to seal the premises. The commission will start its work on July 4.
In accordance with the work plan of the specified commission, it is planned to seal Buildings Nos. 45, 54, 57, 71, 69. The reserve asks the brothers of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra to vacate the premises and hand over the keys to these buildings. In case of refusal, the locks will be replaced, and the buildings (premises) will be sealed off.
As previously reported by the UOJ, the Ministry of Culture threatened to seal five buildings of the Lower Lavra.
Read also
Kosovo to enact law restricting Serbian Church, experts say
Analysts warn that the new "Law on Foreigners" in Kosovo could restrict the presence of clergy, believers' access to shrines, and increase pressure on the Serbian community.
Congress Speaker: Demand to introduce Sharia law in USA is a serious problem
The Speaker of the House of Representatives stated that there is growing concern in society about attempts to impose Islamic law, which is incompatible with the American Constitution.
UK government introduces restrictions on "anti-Muslim hostility"
UK authorities have adopted a new definition of "Islamophobia" which, according to experts, could provide Muslims with special protection and restrict freedom of speech.
Dumenko brings icon in Church Slavonic to Ministry of Health
Epifaniy presented cardiologists with an Intercession icon, with inscriptions in Church Slavonic, which his structure calls a "sign of the Moscow tradition".
ISIS supporters carries out terrorist attack at anti-Islamic protest in NY
Near the home of New York's Muslim mayor, radicals threw two makeshift bombs at protesters during an anti-Islamic rally.
Hryshchuk: If UOC hands over its church itself, angle grinders aren't needed
An OCU chaplain called on UOC believers to accept the loss of the shrine for the sake of their own "enlightenment".