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.

Read also

Court to choose preventive measure for Met. Arseniy in Dnipro on December 5

The prosecutor demands that the detention of the UOC hierarch be extended.

Khmelnytskyi Eparchy delivers 20 tons of food to Kyiv Theological Schools

Believers of the UOC eparchy collected vegetables, grains, and oil for KDAiS students.

Pashinyan forbids priests to mention Armenian Church head during services

The Prime Minister of Armenia publicly confirmed that state structures demand that Catholicos Karekin II be not commemorated during services attended by the politician.

Pope and Slovak President discuss consequences of war in Ukraine for Europe

During the meeting, the Pontiff and the Slovak President discussed the international situation, with particular attention to the war in Ukraine.

UOC monastery in Kniazhychi faces imminent takeover – lawyer

A UOC lawyer has reported a risk of the forcible eviction of the brethren of the Transfiguration Monastery on the morning of December 5.

Orthodox Church in Czech Republic faces threat of losing special rights

The Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic has initiated administrative proceedings against the Church amid the bankruptcy of the Prague Diocese.