Volodymyr-Volyn Eparchy of UOC to continue its activities despite the loss of the Assumption Cathedral, - official statement

The Volodymyr-Volyn Diocesan Administration and the community of the Assumption Cathedral of the UOC do not cease their activities, despite the loss of the right to use the cathedral and the bishop’s house in Volodymyr. The Metropolitan’s residence will be temporarily located in a rented building, where services will also be held for the community.

This decision was made on October 16 at a meeting of the diocesan council, which consists of deanery districts, abbots of monasteries and rectors of cathedrals. According to the information provided, the diocesan administrator, Metropolitan Volodymyr, reported to the council members on the consequences of the lawsuits. As of today, parishioners are deprived of the opportunity to pray in the Assumption Cathedral, and the episcopal house, which housed the diocesan administration, is sealed.

Despite these circumstances, Metropolitan Volodymyr said that his residence remains in the city of Volodymyr. To continue worshiping, the religious community of the Assumption Cathedral is renting a building that will temporarily serve as both a church and a place for the diocesan administration.

As reported, on the morning of October 10, 2025, the executive service initiated the process of forced eviction of the Volodymyr-Volyn Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church from the complex of occupied premises, which includes the Holy Dormition Cathedral, the diocesan administration, and the theological school. The police cordoned off the area and did not allow believers to enter the church, while an “inventory of property” was conducted in the Cathedral itself. Later, the church and other premises were sealed and access to them was restricted.