Prosecutors seek court order to hand Chernivtsi’s oldest church to state

Chernivtsi’s oldest church. Photo: Chernivtsi Prosecutor’s Office

The Chernivtsi District Prosecution Office has filed a lawsuit demanding that state ownership rights be formally established over the oldest St. Nicholas Church in Chernivtsi. Law enforcement officials recorded the absence of a protection agreement for this church.

According to prosecution representatives, the lack of proper legal status hinders the quality maintenance of the church. Without a protection agreement, it is impossible to carry out timely repair and restoration works to prevent damage or destruction of the wooden building.

The St. Nicholas Church is traditionally dated to 1607. It is commonly known as the "Cossack" church. According to historical tradition, Hetman Petro Sahaidachny prayed within its walls before the Battle of Khotyn. Tymish Khmelnytsky was given a funeral service at the church, while Hetman Ivan Mazepa attended it after the Battle of Poltava.

Despite its unique historical value, officials have yet to resolve the issue of registering the site’s ownership documents. As a result, the Chernivtsi District Administrative Court has opened proceedings. Prosecutors request that the legal violations be remedied without delay and that the ancient shrine be formally recognized as state property.

As the UOJ reported, a court stripped the  UOC community of a 19th-century church in Moiseivka.

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