Authorities set to evict nuns from UOC monastery in Kremenets

The Epiphany Monastery of the UOC in Kremenets. Photo: Monastery Herald

Authorities are preparing to forcibly evict the nuns of the Epiphany Convent of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Kremenets, Ternopil Region.

According to the Dozor Telegram channel, law enforcement officers are expected to cordon off the monastery on the morning of June 10, 2026, and take possession of its buildings from the community of the canonical Church.

The operation is reportedly being organized by the same officials and museum-reserve employees who previously oversaw the eviction of students from the Kremenets Theological School and cut the locks from the gates of the Pochaiv Lavra. The sisters of the monastery have appealed to the faithful, asking them to come to the convent and offer prayerful support during what they describe as a time of trial.

Pressure on the monastery intensified in September 2023, when the agreement allowing the community to use the premises free of charge expired. At that time, police officers cordoned off the monastery grounds and introduced passport checks for entry.

On May 6, 2026, the Western Commercial Court of Appeal ordered the Epiphany Monastery to return to the state a complex of buildings with a total area of 3,218 square meters. The ruling covers the Epiphany Cathedral, the residential cell block, and the bell tower.

Ihor Derevynskyi, deputy director of the Kremenets-Pochaiv Historical and Architectural Reserve, described the court's decision as the final point in the case and accused UOC lawyers of delaying the legal proceedings.

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