DESS begins checking Pochaiv Lavra for ties to ROC
Pochaiv Lavra. Photo: open sources
The State Service for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience (DESS) has launched a procedure to inspect the Holy Dormition Pochaiv Lavra. According to Order No. N-106/11, a research group is to identify signs of the monastery’s connection with a foreign religious organization whose activities are prohibited by law in Ukraine, the DESS website reports.
Viktor Yelensky instructed that all necessary notifications be prepared by June 23, while officials will begin directly examining the Lavra’s documents and activities the following day. The inspection was prompted by an internal memo from the deputy head of the Department for Religious Affairs, and the head of the agency retained personal oversight of the process.
DESS said it is acting under Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 543, adopted in May 2025, which sets out the procedure for identifying signs of “subordination” of religious communities to foreign centers.
As the UOJ reported, DESS recognized the Holosiiv Monastery as affiliated with the ROC.
Read also
DESS recommends holding services online during air threat
DESS has published rules for holding religious services during an air raid alert.
Analyst: Ending the war is key condition for Ukrainian nation's survival
Oleksiy Kushch stated that if the war continues, the Ukrainian nation risks reaching a point of no return in its demographic crisis.
Lawyers continue accepting statements in defense of Kyiv Metropolis in court
UOC lawyers have published document templates and step-by-step instructions for believers wishing to submit statements in the DESS lawsuit.
Czech Roman Catholic bishop responds to killing of Sviatohirsk Lavra monk
Catholic Bishop Tomáš Holub called for prayers for all those suffering in Ukraine.
Thousands of UOC faithful honor St. Job of Pochaiv
Clergy and thousands of faithful took part in the traditional procession with the relics of St. Job on the feast commemorating their discovery.
Chernivtsi authorities plan to forcibly evict UOC community from cathedral
A Chernivtsi enforcement officer said authorities intend to forcibly evict the UOC community from the cathedral with the involvement of law enforcement.