The Pochaiv Lavra Received a Cease-and-Desist Order Due to Ties to a Banned Organization
On July 27, the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience (DESC) issued an order to the Pochaiv Holy Dormition Lavra to remedy violations of legislation regarding freedom of conscience and the activities of religious organizations.
The decision was made based on the results of an investigation into whether there were signs of the Pochaiv Lavra’s affiliation with a foreign religious organization whose activities are prohibited in Ukraine.
“Based on the results of an investigation into whether there are signs of affiliation between the Pochaiv Holy Dormition Lavra and a foreign religious organization whose activities are prohibited on the territory of Ukraine, the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience has issued an order to remedy the violations of the law,” the agency stated.
The religious organization must rectify the identified violations within 30 days of receiving the order.
Previously, the State Service had reported finding evidence of affiliations between a number of structures of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) and the Russian Orthodox Church, whose activities are prohibited in Ukraine.
In July 2025, the State Agency for Ethnic Policy reported the presence of such signs in the activities of the UOC (MP) and subsequently recognized it as affiliated with the ROC. The agency also identified ties to a Russian church structure at the Korets Monastery and the Holosiivska Pustyn Monastery.
On July 22, 2026, the State Agency for Ethnic Policy reported that it had identified signs of affiliation between the Pochaiv Holy Dormition Lavra and the Russian Orthodox Church.
This was reported by the DESC.
The Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra will partially resume operations following emergency repairs.
As a reminder, Russia attacked the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, causing a fire.
