Attempted seizure at Pochaiv Lavra

In Pochaiv, seminarians push back the attackers. Photo: UOJ

On October 8, 2025, unidentified persons attempted to seize the Economic Building of the Pochaiv Lavra, sources in the monastery told the UOJ. With support from accomplices, the attackers used an angle grinder to cut the locks on the gates and tried to enter the premises. Thanks to the timely response of the seminarians, the attempted breach was stopped.

The seminarians blocked the intruders and managed to push them back beyond the gates. According to Lavra sources, the attackers left the scene but threatened to return with reinforcements.

According to Pershyi Kozatskyi (“First Cossack”), among the attackers were seen the head of the Kremenets branch of the SBU, Serhii Zasiadko, and the head of the Kremenets–Pochaiv Reserve, Vasyl Ilchyshyn.

The brethren and faithful are asking for support and prayers.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the SBU and police conducted searches at the Pochaiv Lavra.

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