Judge recuses himself at court session on Lower Lavra
Court hearings on the Lower Lavra. Photo: TG channel "Fortetsia Lavra"
On October 20, 2025, a regular court session was held in the Northern Commercial Court of Appeal regarding the use of the Lower Lavra, reports the lawyer of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, Archpriest Nikita Chekman.
"One of the members of the panel of judges was challenged by the Monastery's lawyers due to his biased position towards the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, during which the said judge recused himself," the lawyer reported.
In this regard, the court will carry out an automatic case reassignment, and a new panel of judges will be appointed.
As a reminder, two parallel court cases related to the Lavra are currently underway: one concerning the right to use the Dormition and Refectory Churches of the Upper Lavra, and the other regarding the eviction of monks from the Lower Lavra.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that on October 20, a court session will be held on the termination of the contract with the Lavra.
Read also
Spanish court rules Jehovah’s Witnesses may be called a “destructive sect”
A court in Spain has upheld the right of critics of Jehovah’s Witnesses to speak openly about the group’s alleged harmfulness and danger to society.
U.S. startup launches $2-per-minute AI “Jesus” video chat service
An American startup has introduced a video-calling service that allows users to “speak” with an AI-generated image of Christ, offering responses based on biblical texts.
RF courts treat posting 666 number as Satanism propaganda
Users can now face an administrative fine or arrest for posting the “number of the beast” or pentagrams on social media.
Orthodox priest in Germany says Germans are finding truth in Orthodoxy
A priest of the Orthodox Church in Germany has said that growing numbers of Germans are turning to the faith in search of clear spiritual guidance and a fuller church life.
RomOC to celebrate Synaxis of Holy Romanian Women for the first time
The Romanian Orthodox Church will mark the Synaxis of Holy Romanian Women for the first time after the canonization of 16 saints in 2025.
Antiochian Patriarch discusses peace and future of Christians with Turkish officials
During a visit to Antioch, Patriarch John X discussed with Turkish authorities the region’s recovery, support for Orthodox communities, and the preservation of a Christian presence.