Court imposes night house arrest on Archimandrite Theognost
Archimandrite Theognost (Yurash) and his lawyer Nikita Chekman. Photo: UOC
On April 18, 2025, a court hearing took place at the Boryspil court regarding the case of the rector of the St. Michael Church in the village of Protsiv, Archimandrite Theognost (Yurash). This was reported by the clergyman's lawyer Nikita Chekman.
“During the consideration of the petition, nighttime house arrest was applied. The defense was able to prove the necessity for the clergyman to conduct worship services. The application of nighttime house arrest will fully ensure the fulfillment of the archimandrite's direct duties as a clergyman and dean of the Boryspil district,” noted the lawyer.
Thus, the archimandrite will be able to conduct the services of Holy Week and Easter.
The lawyer thanked everyone for their attention and prayers, emphasizing that the court made a fair decision that will allow Archimandrite Theognost to fulfill his priestly duties.
Recall that on April 17, 2025, Great Thursday, police officers handed Archimandrite Theognost (Yurash) a petition for the application of a preventive measure in the form of round-the-clock house arrest. It is noteworthy that the address specified in the petition is located at a significant distance from the church where Father Theognost conducts worship services.
The defense notes that the criminal proceedings may be related to a property dispute between religious organizations. It is noteworthy that it was after the legal decision made by the UOC community regarding the alienation of property that representatives of the OCU announced the "transfer" of the parish and later filed a lawsuit to declare the alienation agreement invalid. Observers point out that the actions of law enforcement in this case align with the interests of one of the parties in the religious conflict.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that Archimandrite Theognost was charged under two articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine: misappropriation of property through abuse of office and official forgery. The defense categorically rejects these accusations, asserting that the decision to alienate the property was made lawfully by the general assembly of the religious community.
The UOJ continues to monitor the situation's development.
Read also
OCU parishioners in Kosmach sue each other over December 25 service
An OCU parish in Ivano-Frankivsk Region held no services either on December 25 or on January 7.
Analyst likens Bankova’s case against UOC to Stalin-era repression
Bondarenko said the way the authorities justify pressure on the Church may amount to the rhetoric of the totalitarian era.
Christmas caroling and festive concerts held across UOC eparchies
During the January celebration of the Nativity of Christ, UOC communities across the country sing carols, hold concerts, and organize charitable initiatives.
Primate: God’s law is written in every human heart
During a sermon in Boryspil, His Beatitude reminded the faithful of the meaning of Christmas and the need to live according to God’s commandments.
Media: Transgender-identified inmates sexually assault women in US prisons
Female inmates, who have been interviewed extensively as part of the research on the impact of gender ideology in custodial settings, describe the facility as “a haven for sexual predators who pretend to be transgender.”
Guardian: Bible sales in Britain hit new highs in 2025
Specialists are noting growing interest in Christian texts amid social change and a rethinking of faith’s role in contemporary society.