Court hearings continue in Chernihiv over the Yelets Women’s Monastery of the UOC, expropriated by the state from the Church

On May 27, the Commercial Court of Chernihiv region held another hearing regarding the return of the Yelets Women’s Monastery to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The monastery was taken from the UOC’s use and transferred to the state reserve “Ancient Chernihiv.” This was reported by the Chernihiv online outlet «Pechera.»

The case has been ongoing for several years. In September 2021, the agreement for the free use of the monastery buildings by the UOC expired. In 2023, the reserve filed a lawsuit demanding the return of the site, which is officially state property.

Despite the sealing of the Assumption Cathedral in October 2023, the nuns remained on the monastery grounds. In January 2024, the Commercial Court supported the UOC’s position, but the appellate court ordered the eviction of the religious figures. The case was sent back to the first instance court after a cassation appeal.

At the May 27 hearing, the court began reviewing evidence, but the session was postponed due to an air raid alert.

UOC representatives declined to comment, while the leadership of the reserve expressed «hope for a lawful and fair decision». The ownership status of the Peter and Paul Church, currently used by the UOC, remains unclear.

Earlier, the Chernihiv Regional State Administration reported on the number of UOC religious communities that had re-registered with the OCU in the region since 2019.