Supreme сourt denies UOC the right to use Cathedral in Chernihiv

The UOC's Transfiguration Cathedral in Chernihiv. Photo: Suspilne

On November 26, the Supreme Court of Ukraine, as part of the Cassation Commercial Court, denied the claim of the Chernihiv Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) for the right to use the Transfiguration Cathedral. This was reported by Suspilne.media.

In a comment to the publication, Natalia Rebrova, director of the "Ancient Chernihiv" reserve, stated that after her institution went through all judicial instances, "today, a final decision has been made."

"Congratulations to all of us," added the official.

As previously reported by the UOJ, in February 2023, the reserve announced the expiration of agreements for the use of architectural monuments, including the Trinity Monastery with the UOC’s cathedral, the Eletsky Monastery (home to the Dormition Cathedral), and the Transfiguration Cathedral. The reserve's administration demanded that the Chernihiv Eparchy of the UOC vacate these sites. The diocese, citing the "Law on Freedom of Conscience and Religious Organizations," filed lawsuits to recognize the agreements as valid. However, the Commercial Court of the Chernihiv Region rejected the UOC’s claim on January 23. The diocese appealed the decision but was again denied on July 23.

As early as October 2023, before the court rulings were finalized, the Ministry of Culture, under the pretext of "restoration", seized three cathedrals in Chernihiv from the UOC, including the Transfiguration Cathedral.

The Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) now lays claim to the Transfiguration Cathedral. Earlier, Rebrova stated that the OCU "is our partner in bringing this unique thousand-year-old monument into proper condition."

On May 23, Suspilne Chernihiv aired a report showing how "restorers" were cleaning wall frescoes with toothbrushes, causing paint to flake off.

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