The governor of the Vladimir-Volyn diocese of the UOC said about the threat of seizure of the Cathedral and infringement of the rights of believers

Metropolitan Volodymyr-Volynskyy and Kovel Volodymyr (UOC) has addressed the clergy and faithful of the diocese in connection with the ongoing legal proceedings, which, according to him, pose a threat to the ancient Assumption Cathedral. In his address, the hierarch characterized the situation as an infringement of the constitutional rights of Ukrainian citizens and urged the flock to pray intensely for a peaceful resolution of the conflict.

According to the Metropolitan, there is a real risk that the main shrine of the diocese «will no longer be filled with prayer» and its premises may not be used for their intended purpose. In addition, the existence of the theological school, which may lose its classrooms, is under threat. The archpastor also noted that the situation also affects the diocesan office, which is the administrative center for almost three hundred parishes.

«I want to delicately remind that there is an infringement of the constitutional and religious rights of our faithful, the rights of Ukrainian citizens to faith and freedom of conscience,» Metropolitan Volodymyr emphasized in his address.

In conclusion, he called on all believers to «sincere prayer so that the Lord would give a just and peaceful solution to this situation.» «Let us pray together that the Lord soften the hearts of those who wish our Church, community or people harm, and that love and peace prevail — for the good of the Church and the state of our Ukraine,» the hierarch concluded.

We shall remind you that on the eve of the People’s Deputy of Ukraine Igor Guz held a meeting with the head of Volyn regional state administration Ivan Rudnytsky, during which they discussed the process of expropriation of the Holy Assumption Cathedral of the Vladimir-Volyn diocese of the UOC in the city of Volodymyr-Volynskyi into state ownership. The MP asked the head of Volynskyy Regional State Administration to ensure assistance of law enforcement agencies in this matter.