MinCulture transfers to OCU Crimean building housing “Ministry of Property”
Kliment Kushch and Deputy Culture Minister Ivan Verbytskyi. Photo: Facebook
On March 18, 2026, Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture legally formalized the transfer to the OCU of the building at 17 Sevastopolska Street in Simferopol, where the Cathedral of Saints Vladimir and Olga had previously been located. The relevant agreement, valid until 2075, was signed between the state enterprise “Crimean House” and the diocesan administration of Dumenko’s structure. In a Facebook post, the Ministry said that the decision officially legalizes the building’s status as the OCU’s “main shrine” on the peninsula and would assist in international court proceedings.
The situation was commented on by Archbishop Jonah of the UOC, who remarked ironically that the Ministry’s decision was not bold enough.
“They should immediately transfer to the OCU St. Volodymyr’s Cathedral in Chersonesos as well. And along with it, the cathedrals in Simferopol, Yalta, and other major cities of Crimea. What a timid Ministry of Culture. Apparently, it’s afraid of Putin,” the hierarch wrote on Facebook.
At the same time, the situation surrounding the building is complicated by the fact that it is under the control of the Russian authorities in Crimea and is physically inaccessible to OCU representatives. The premises, covering more than 1,475 square meters, are occupied by the “Ministry of Property and Land Relations of Crimea.” In May 2023, the Russian authorities confiscated the property after the OCU community refused to re-register its documents under local legislation.
It is also notable that “Metropolitan” Kliment Kushch, who heads the Crimean diocese of the OCU, is a citizen of the Russian Federation and holds a Russian passport. Earlier, Kushch explained why he obtained Russian citizenship. According to him, had he not done so, he “would have lost all property, not only church property but also [his] personal property” located in Crimea.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that, according to Kushch, Crimea will hardly become Ukrainian again.
Read also
UOC priest’s father killed in AFU military service laid to rest in Sumy
UOC clergy held a funeral service for Ukrainian serviceman Serhii Taptunov at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Sumy. He was buried at a city cemetery with military honors.
Patriarch Bartholomew says his see ensures unity in Christ’s Body
Speaking at the Bulgarian Church's Holy Synod, Patriarch Bartholomew declared that the Archbishop of Constantinople serves as the unifying link and guarantor of Orthodox unity.
Patriarch Daniel calls for preserving Church unity
In a sermon at St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia, the Bulgarian Primate emphasized humility, repentance, and fidelity to the Orthodox faith as the path to overcoming divisions.
Bulgarian and Constantinople Patriarchs attend Liturgy at Sofia Cathedral
Metropolitan Barnabas presided over the Liturgy at St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia as part of celebrations marking two anniversaries of St. John of Rila.
Prosecutors seek to seize Dormition Church from UOC community in Pisky
Prosecutors are seeking to transfer a wooden church in Poltava Region, handed over to believers in 1992, to state ownership under the regional administration.
Metropolitan Onuphry: Love for enemies destroys evil, revenge multiplies it
The UOC Primate urged believers to forgive those who wrong them and do good without expecting gratitude or reward.