Orthodox Church in Czech Republic faces threat of losing special rights

A Cathedral in Prague. Photo: UOJ in the Czech Republic

On December 2, 2025, the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic initiated administrative proceedings against the Orthodox Church of the Czech Lands, reports the UOJ in the Czech Republic.

As stated to journalists by the press secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Ivana Avvadova, "the bankruptcy procedure concerning the Prague Orthodox Diocese does not have a direct impact on these proceedings".

"Since administrative proceedings are non-public by law, it is currently impossible to predict their course, duration, or outcome. The Ministry of Culture is aware of the impact of the situation on the faithful and Church workers, but is obliged to act in accordance with the law," added the ministry's representative.

According to available information, the result of the administrative proceedings may be the deprivation of the special rights of the Orthodox Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia, which it enjoys under the Church Law.

"Special rights" are special powers granted by the state to registered Churches that meet legislative requirements. These include: the ability to conduct church marriages with legal force, perform chaplaincy services in educational institutions, the military, and medical facilities, establish theological schools, receive state support, and claim church restitution.

The administrative proceedings began amid a severe institutional and economic crisis in which the Orthodox Church of the Czech Lands finds itself.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the Prague Orthodox Diocese was officially declared bankrupt.

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