In Chernihiv, court session held over the use of Yeletsky Monastery

Court case materials. Photo: suspilne

On July 3, 2025, the Economic Court of the Chernihiv region considered the case regarding the eviction of nuns from the Dormition Yeletsky Monastery. This was reported by the Suspilne website.

The media noted that during the session, they continued to examine the evidence contained in the case materials.

The director of the "Ancient Chernihiv" Reserve, Natalia Rebrova, told the media that attempts to take the monastery from the nuns have been ongoing since 2023. At one time, the Ministry of Culture decided to transfer the shrine for the use of the reserve.

According to her, in order to resolve the issue legally, her department took the matter to court. The case has been under consideration since 2023. It was first reviewed by the Commercial Court of the Chernihiv Region, then by the Court of Appeal, and eventually reached the Supreme Court.

"The case was reviewed by the highest court and returned to the court of first instance to clarify certain details of the legal documents and transfer acts. Court hearings have been ongoing for some time now," Rebrova noted.

Since 2023, the authorities have managed to take the Dormition Cathedral and the bell tower on the territory of the Yeletsky Monastery complex.

"The remaining premises are occupied by nuns, and they continue to use them – the women's monastery is still functioning," the official said.

She stated that currently, there are no contacts with the Chernihiv Eparchy of the UOC, except for meetings in court.

“We are awaiting a decision that these buildings will be vacated, and the state, represented by the reserve, will be able to ensure the full functioning of this complex of unique monuments of national significance,” said the director of the department.

Earlier, the UOJ wrote that MPs were given a tour of the altar of the seized Transfiguration Cathedral of the UOC in Chernihiv. The state also organizes film screenings in the church.

Read also