Ukraine: State seizes Volyn cathedral, seminary, administration buildings from Orthodox Church

The Ukrainian state seized the buildings of the cathedral, diocesan administration, and seminary of the Vladimir-Volyn Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church on October 10. To accomplish the seizure, the territory of the complex was surrounded by police, and believers were not allowed access to the church, reports the Union of Orthodox Journalists.

Eyewitnesses reported that representatives of state structures were on site conducting an “inventory of property.” Published videos and photos show dozens of police vehicles arriving at the church. Believers gathered at the cathedral walls, many arriving during the night to protect the sanctuary. Despite requests from the community, access to the church remained closed. Inside the cathedral, representatives of authorities and unidentified individuals were inspecting the premises and conducting video recording without the participation of clergy.

At 6:00 a.m., special police units provided state executors with the opportunity to forcibly evict the Vladimir-Volynsky diocesan administration of the UOC, the religious community of the Dormition Cathedral, and students of the choir director school from the occupied premises. Law enforcement officers inside the cathedral were reportedly “conducting actions to transfer property into state ownership.” Ambulance brigades were also present at the scene.

In an appeal to the faithful issued several days earlier, His Eminence Metropolitan Vladimir of Vladimir-Volyn and Kovel warned of the impending threat. He stated that lawsuits were underway that posed a danger to the peaceful life of the ancient Holy Dormition Cathedral, with a risk that the church would cease to be filled with prayer and its premises might be used for purposes contradicting its creation. He also noted the threat of losing premises for theological school students.

The Metropolitan emphasized that the diocesan administration serves as an administrative center uniting approximately 300 parishes and ensuring the organizational and spiritual life of the entire diocese. He described the situation as a violation of constitutional and religious rights of the faithful and the rights of Ukrainian citizens to faith and freedom of conscience. He called on all believers to sincere prayer for a just and peaceful solution to the situation.

The diocese has previously noted that pressure on UOC church structures in the region has been intensifying, with cases of interference in the activities of religious communities becoming increasingly frequent. (Quelle: www.orthochristian.com, 10. Oktober 2025)