In the Rivne region, authorities in one of the villages prohibited the Ukrainian Orthodox Church’s religious procession to the Pochaiv Lavra from passing through their territory

The Executive Committee of the Demidivka Town Council in the Rivne Oblast decided to ban a religious procession organized by the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The authorities justified this measure by citing the need to ensure the safety of citizens under the legal framework of martial law.

The official resolution No. 2112 was adopted on July 30, 2026. The document states that the restriction applies to mass gatherings and events organized by believers of the UOC within the community. Officials cited the threat of rocket attacks, as well as the risk of religious conflicts and social unrest, as the key reasons for this decision.

The decision was made based on recommendations from the Rivne Oblast Defense Council and a relevant letter from the Dubno District State Administration. Police officers are responsible for enforcing the ban and are instructed to respond promptly to any attempts to hold mass gatherings. Information regarding the measures taken was officially sent to the Rivne Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

As a reminder, we previously reported that a traditional religious procession of believers from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church had begun at the Church of the Holy Cross ( ) in Kovel, Volyn Oblast, with participants heading toward the Pochaiv Lavra of the Dormition. The pilgrimage is timed to coincide with the upcoming celebration of the feast day of the Pochaiv Icon of the Mother of God, which will take place on August 5.