Pochaiv Lavra files police complaint over attempted illegal inventory

Pochaiv Lavra. Photo: travel.tochka

On January 17, 2025, the Holy Dormition Pochaiv Lavra filed a complaint with the police regarding "illegal actions by individuals with unclear authority" who attempted to carry out an unlawful inventory on monastery grounds. The monastery’s lawyer shared this information on the Lavra’s YouTube channel.

The monastery maintains that the commission formed by the Ministry of Culture lacks the legal grounds to conduct such an inspection. On December 12, the Lavra informed the Pochaiv Historical and Cultural Reserve of this in writing. After receiving no adequate response, the monastery's lawyers took the matter to court.

The lawyer explained that the reserve's Order No. 180, dated December 3, 2024, which established a temporary commission for the inventory of Pochaiv Lavra's property, is currently being contested through administrative procedures.

Additionally, the Lavra sent a letter to the Ministry of Culture requesting clarification on the legal basis for assigning the reserve to conduct inspections and inventories. They also appealed to the Minister of Culture, urging personal intervention to resolve the situation.

Convinced of the illegality of the inventory attempt on January 17, the Lavra filed a police complaint on the same day regarding the "illegal actions of individuals with unclear authority."

"Based on the aforementioned, we oppose the unauthorized and unlawful inventory of church property belonging to the Holy Dormition Pochaiv Lavra," stated the lawyer.

As previously reported by the UOJ, the Pochaiv Lavra had earlier accused the Ministry of Culture's commission of conducting an illegal inventory.

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