"Back to the USSR": Ukraine's Ministry of Culture Will Strip Religious Organizations of Their Right to Permanent Use of Churches Designated as Architectural Monuments

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has introduced significant changes to the legislation governing the transfer of state- and municipally-owned religious property to religious organizations for their use. The initiative aims to establish a mechanism that will allow religious activities to be conducted in accordance with “the need to preserve cultural heritage sites.” This was reported by the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine.

Under the new model, religious organizations will be able to use these sites on the basis of a usage agreement (loan agreement) according to an agreed-upon schedule. This will allow for the holding of religious rites, ceremonies, and gatherings at specific times without transferring the building for permanent use. Thus, the state retains responsibility for maintaining the site in proper condition, using it during times when it is not being used for religious services.

The ministry emphasizes that this model is allegedly intended to resolve the issue of architectural monuments that, due to special usage restrictions, cannot function as fully-fledged religious sites. In addition, this helps “avoid placing a burden on religious organizations, which do not always have sufficient resources to carry out complex restoration work and ensure the long-term maintenance of such structures.” The resolution also clarifies issues regarding the transfer of museum artifacts and the possibility of reimbursement for operating expenses and security services.

As a reminder, we previously reported that another secular event took place at the Spassky Cathedral in Chernihiv—which had previously been taken away from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church—prompting sharp criticism from the faithful. Instead of a traditional memorial service for the deceased medical workers, the authorities organized a concert in the cathedral, featuring musicians playing guitars right next to the altar.