UOC bishop addresses believers over threat of cathedral seizure in Volodymyr

Metropolitan Volodymyr and the clergy of the Volodymyr-Volynskyi and Kovel Eparchy. Photo: a screenshot of the eparchy's video address

On October 7, 2025, Metropolitan Volodymyr of Volodymyr-Volynskyi and Kovel addressed the clergy, monastics, and believers of the eparchy with a call to prayer in connection with the potential loss of the Dormition Cathedral and the theological school operating at it in Volodymyr, Volyn region. The video message was published on the eparchial press service's Facebook page.

The archbishop reported on legal proceedings that could threaten the future prayer life of the eparchy's shrines.

"Currently, there are ongoing legal cases that pose a danger to the peaceful life of our majestic shrine – the ancient Dormition Cathedral. There is a risk that the church will cease to be filled with prayer, and its premises may be used for non-intended purposes, which contradicts the very essence of its creation," he said.

The bishop also noted that the education of students at the theological school, which has been an important educational center in Volyn for many years, is under threat.

Metropolitan Volodymyr emphasized that the current events threaten not only church life but also violate the rights of Ukrainian citizens.

"I would like to gently remind you that there is an infringement on the constitutional and religious rights of our faithful, and on Ukrainian citizens' rights to faith and freedom of conscience," noted the UOC hierarch.

The eparchial administration, which may also be taken away, according to the archpastor, is an important center of spiritual and organizational life, uniting about three hundred parishes of the Volodymyr-Volynskyi Eparchy.

At the end of his address, Metropolitan Volodymyr called on the flock for unity in prayer: "I urge all the faithful to sincere prayer, that the Lord may grant a just and peaceful resolution to this situation. Let us pray together that the Lord softens the hearts of those who wish harm to our Church, community, or people, and that love and peace prevail – for the good of our Church and the state of Ukraine».

As reported by the UOJ, the Kyiv Court of Appeal rejected the UOC cathedral community's complaint in Volodymyr.

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