Court Allows Kyiv Metropolis of the UOC to Join the Case Regarding the Lower Lavra

On April 10, 2025, the Northern Appeal Economic Court issued a ruling allowing the Kyiv Metropolis of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church to participate in the case concerning the unilateral termination of the agreement between the National Preserve “Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra” and the Monastery of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Holy Assumption of Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, which grants the right to use the Lower Lavra. This is reported by Pravlife.

This was reported by the lawyer of the Lavra, Archpriest Nikita Chekman, after the court session.

“The court has allowed the Kyiv Metropolis to prepare for the next hearing, submit written arguments and explanations regarding the case. I consider this decision correct and justified because it allows the Ukrainian Orthodox Church to protect its rights and interests, as well as the rights of the Monastery and the monks,” said the lawyer.

The next hearing regarding the Lower Lavra case is scheduled for May 1, 2025, at 14:20.

Earlier, it was reported that the oldest Orthodox church in the capital, known as the Savior at Berestovo, will be opened as a museum, where paid tours will be conducted. This church had previously been used for its intended purpose, with services held by clergy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. However, now, as the church is under the jurisdiction of the National Preserve “Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra,” access to it by the clergy is closed.