Orthodox Monks Refuse to Leave Historic Kyiv Monastery despite Government Eviction Order

Background and Context

Orthodox monks belonging to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) are currently facing eviction from the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra monastery, Ukraine’s most revered Orthodox site. The Ukrainian government has accused the UOC, which has historic ties to the Russian Orthodox Church, of violating their lease and carrying out unauthorized alterations to the monastery. The UOC, however, denies these allegations and claims that they have been unfairly targeted due to their association with Russia.

Scuffles Break Out Outside of Lavra as Monks Defy Eviction Order

On July 4th, scuffles broke out outside of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra monastery after the UOC refused entry to representatives of a government commission who wanted to inspect buildings in the complex. As tensions escalated, a Reuters reporter was hit and shoved by an unidentified man while another reporter was pushed away by a cleric. Culture Minister Oleksandr Tkachenko condemned the treatment of commission members and filed a complaint with the police.

UOC Denies Ties with Russian Orthodox Church

The Ukrainian government has been cracking down on the UOC over its historic ties to the Russian Orthodox Church, whose leader, Patriarch Kirill, has supported Russian President Vladimir Putin in the invasion of Ukraine. In response, the UOC declared its independence from Moscow and denounced the Russian invasion from the start. However, Ukrainian security agencies have claimed that some members of UOC maintain close ties with Moscow.

Rival Church Organization Gains Recognition

Many Orthodox communities in Ukraine have transitioned from the UOC to a rival church organization called the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) after it received recognition from the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople. The OCU’s leader has stated that changes will not end worship at the complex and that it will be run by people who know the traditions and life of the monastery.

Lavra Considered “Pearl of Ukraine”

The Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra monastery is considered the “pearl of Ukraine” and the “Vatican” of Ukrainian Orthodoxy. The complex contains religious centers, museums, and places for clergy to study and live. It is owned by the Ukrainian government, and the agency overseeing it ended the UOC’s lease due to lease violations.

Russia Condemns Eviction

Russia has condemned Kyiv’s push against the UOC as an outrage, with Patriarch Kirill asking for action from Pope Francis and other religious leaders. The removal of UOC from the Lavra is part of a wider religious conflict fueled by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

As the UOC continues to defy eviction efforts, tensions between the government and religious organizations remain high. The situation at Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra monastery highlights the ongoing struggle for control of religious complexes in Ukraine and underscores deeper divisions between Orthodox communities in Ukraine.

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons