Incident in Pochaev Lavra: SBU and UOC seminarians clashed as law enforcers attempt to enter the Dormition Cathedral

A serious incident occurred in Pochaev Lavra, involving an attempt by members of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) to enter the territory of the Dormition Cathedral. This led to a physical confrontation and a fight between the law enforcers and representatives of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), including seminarians and parishioners.

According to the Telegram channel Vremya UA, the incident started after the SBU officers cut the locks on the gates in an attempt to gain access to the territory of the Dormition Cathedral. However, seminarians and parishioners were already waiting for them at the entrance and resolutely prevented the law enforcers from entering the church territory.

This confrontation quickly turned into a physical confrontation and a fight. According to eyewitnesses, the UOC representatives managed to force the SBU and police officers out of the monastery.

However, the law enforcers threatened to return with reinforcements. The published footage showing the course of the fight shows the participation of Serhiy Zasyadko, who is the head of the Kremenets branch of the SBU.

We will remind, in the morning of October 8, law enforcement agencies of Ukraine began searches on the territory of the Holy Dormition Pochaev Lavra in Ternopil region. The investigative actions are being carried out as part of a pre-trial investigation into criminal proceedings opened under the article on fraud committed on a particularly large scale.