Lavra Reserve staff seize Nativity of the Theotokos Church
Church of the Nativity of the Theotokos on the territory of the Lavra. Photo: lavra.ua
On June 11, 2026, employees of the National Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Reserve began a forcible seizure of one of the monastery’s churches – the academic Church of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos. According to UOC lawyer Archpriest Nikita Chekman, representatives of the state institution cut off the locks and unlawfully entered the premises.
The lawyer stressed that these actions were arbitrary and grossly violated the law, since disputes over the right to use the Lavra buildings are still being considered by the courts. According to him, the reserve’s management is committing yet another offense against the monastic community without waiting for final legal decisions.
“The National Reserve has repeatedly engaged in such actions and continues to commit offenses against the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Monastery” the lawyer stated.
As the UOJ reported, the reserve previously took the St. Anna's Conception Church Church in the Lavra away from the UOC.
Read also
Upper Lavra court hearing postponed
The next court hearing in the Upper Lavra case has been scheduled for November 3.
UOC priest blesses ambulances at Kamianske medical center
A UOC priest in Kamianske blessed ambulances for a medical facility and wished its doctors God's help in their work.
Dumenko to German ambassador: Law targeting UOC also applies to other groups
Epifaniy Dumenko sought to defend Ukraine’s law restricting religious organizations during a meeting with the German ambassador.
Activists bused to court hearings in UOC cases, media say
A minibus has been spotted transporting protesters to and from courthouses where UOC cases are being heard.
Firefighters save historic UOC church from fire in Zakarpattia
A fire broke out at a UOC church in the Tiachiv district, damaging the altar and church furnishings.
Volyn Eparchy faithful collect six tons of aid for Sviatohirsk Lavra
Believers in Volyn collected food and warm clothing for people displaced by the war who have found shelter at Sviatohirsk Lavra.