Prague Eparchy faces possible loss of special rights over state debts

Archbishop Michael of Prague. Photo: UOJ

On November 11, 2025, a session of the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia was held. The main topic of the meeting was a letter from the diocesan council of the Prague Orthodox Eparchy requesting the removal of Archbishop Michael from his position as diocesan administrator.

According to verified information from the Czech branch of the UOJ, Archbishop Michael of Prague and the Czech Lands has been given until the end of January to correct the situation. After that, the Synod plans to reconvene.

The appeal was prompted by an official letter from the Czech Ministry of Culture dated October 17, 2025. The letter stated that the Prague Eparchy has long failed to meet its financial obligations to the state and its employees.

The Ministry warned that if these obligations are not settled within 30 days of receiving the notice, administrative proceedings may be initiated to revoke the Church’s “special rights” under Law No. 3/2002 on Churches and Religious Societies.

“Special rights” are privileges granted by the state to officially registered Churches. These include the ability to conduct legally recognized church marriages, provide religious services in education, the army, and healthcare (chaplaincy), establish theological schools, receive state subsidies, and claim restitution of church property.

In its letter to the Synod, the diocesan council complained about the prolonged neglect of the financial crisis and the non-payment of salaries.

No official record of the Holy Synod’s meeting has been published.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the OCU had intruded onto the canonical territory of the Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia.

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