Assumption Cathedral in Volodymyr, seized from UOC, transferred to OCU for five-year term

The complex of premises of the Holy Dormition Cathedral of the Volodymyr-Volyn Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Volodymyr has been officially transferred to the use of the religious community of the OCU for a period of five years. At the same time, the relevant bodies of the Volyn Regional Administration claim to supervise the buildings during the period of their lease by representatives of the OCU.

According to the Volyn News Service, Deputy Head of the Volyn Regional Military Administration Taras Shkiter confirmed that the transfer concerns not only the building of the Holy Dormition Cathedral, but also a single historical complex that includes a building with a bell tower and walls with gates dating back to the 17th century. According to the current legislation, the regional administration and the management of the state historical and cultural reserve will oversee the condition of the buildings and the use of state property.

The press secretary of the Volodymyr-Volyn Diocese of the OCU, Vasyl Melnychuk, said that currently no religious events are held in the cathedral. The documents on the transfer will be signed within five days, after which a decision will be made on the date of the first services, preparation for which, according to him, will take about a month.

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.