Yelensky: We are inspecting Pochaiv Lavra following numerous complaints
If the Pochaiv Lavra is found to be affiliated with the Russian Orthodox Church, officials will issue the monastery a compliance order and give it 30 days to meet the requirements.
On June 24, a specially appointed expert group began examining documents and evidence related to the activities of the Holy Dormition Pochaiv Lavra. The investigation is intended to confirm or refute the monastery's alleged affiliation with the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC). This was reported by Ukrinform.
The head of the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience (DESS), Viktor Yelensky, explained that the agency launches such investigations when it receives substantiated complaints alleging that a religious organization is connected to the Moscow Patriarchate.
"After receiving a large number of appeals and letters, we also decided to begin an inspection of the Holy Dormition Pochaiv Lavra," he said.
Experts are reviewing materials that may indicate foreign influence and say the results will be made public.
"We are examining documents related to the activities of the Pochaiv Lavra that may confirm or refute its connection with the ROC," Yelensky said. "Such an investigation usually takes a little over a month, while more complex cases may require around two months."
If the experts identify signs of affiliation, DESS will issue the religious organization an order to eliminate the violations. The religious community will have 30 days to comply with the requirements.
Previously, DESS declared both the Kyiv Metropolis of the UOC and the Holy Protection Holosiiv Monastery to be affiliated with the ROC, after which officials filed lawsuits seeking their liquidation. Court proceedings against the Kyiv Metropolis have been ongoing since August 2025. At the same time, a ROCOR inspection of Odesa Eparchy found no links with Moscow.
As the UOJ previously reported, the Kyiv Metropolis has filed a lawsuit seeking the dissolution of DESS.
