Authorities in Vinnytsia Oblast have banned a religious procession by believers of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church from the Brailov Monastery to the Pochaiv Lavra

The traditional annual religious procession, which was scheduled to begin on August 19 from the Holy Trinity Brailov Women’s Monastery to the Dormition Pochaiv Lavra, will not take place this year. The decision to cancel was made due to the martial law in effect and a corresponding order from the Vinnytsia Regional Administration. This was reported by and VITA TV.

It is reported that representatives of the Vinnytsia Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church have appealed to the faithful to treat this situation with understanding and responsibility. Despite the cancellation of the mass procession, festive services on the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord will take place as scheduled at the Brailov Monastery itself—they are set to begin at 9:00 a.m.

Before the full-scale invasion began, this pilgrimage was an annual tradition. The route, which began on the Feast of the Transfiguration, allowed believers to reach the Pochaiv Lavra in time for the patronal feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Mother of God. However, at this time, regional military administrations have strictly prohibited any mass gatherings or religious processions in the region to ensure the safety of citizens.

As a reminder, Viktor Yelensky, head of the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience (GESS) , previously clarified the limits of religious rights under martial law, particularly regarding religious processions. He emphasized that freedom of conscience is a value guaranteed by the Constitution that cannot be restricted even during wartime, unlike freedom of assembly or freedom of speech.