UOC challenges eviction order from Dormition Cathedral in Volodymyr

Dormition Cathedral in Volodymyr, April 2025. Photo: Suspilne Lutsk

On November 18, 2025, the Commercial Court of Volyn Region held a hearing to consider the UOC’s complaint regarding the actions of a state enforcement officer who initiated the eviction of the parish from the Dormition Cathedral in Volodymyr, Suspilne reports.

The complaint was filed by the Ukrainian Orthodox Church’s attorney in response to rulings by the enforcement service, which had resumed compulsory measures. The UOC community asked the court to examine the legality of these rulings, including the involvement of police and the renewal of enforcement actions. These issues primarily concerned the procedure for implementing the court decision and the enforcement officers’ access to the church building and its grounds.

After reviewing the complaint, the judge dismissed it, ruling that the state enforcement officer’s actions complied with proper procedure. As a result, the eviction measures against the community, launched in October, remain in effect.

The Dormition Cathedral in Volodymyr is one of the region’s ancient Orthodox churches and has served for many years as a spiritual center for the local UOC community. Following government decisions to terminate the community’s right to use the cathedral, judicial and enforcement processes were initiated to transfer the church to the state.

Enforcement actions have been ongoing since October 10, 2025, including restricting parishioners’ access and cataloging property. The November 18 complaint specifically addressed the procedure by which these measures were being carried out.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that on December 16 the Supreme Court will review the case concerning the liquidation of the Kyiv Metropolia.

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