Kiev Mitropolis Files Lawsuit Against Court-Ordered Liquidation Under Ukrainian Law

The Kyiv Mitropolis of the Moscow Patriarchate (IM) has filed a lawsuit against the State Office of Ethnopolics and Freedom of Conscience (DES) over its attempt to liquidate the religious organization. The lawsuit challenges the legal basis for the IM’s classification as part of a banned Russian Orthodox Church entity under Ukraine’s law aimed at protecting the constitutional system in religious activities.

Victor Yelenski, the head of the DES, was informed of the court’s appeal. The service has identified the IM as affiliated with the Russian Orthodox Church, which is prohibited in Ukraine. To contest this designation, the IM must meet specific requirements set by the DES, including affirming that its governing bodies are not under the authority of the Moscow Patriarchate and that it does not endorse the integration of its dioceses in eastern Ukraine and Crimea.

The IM has 30 days from the date of the ruling to respond or request an extension. A letter from the Kiev Mitropolite, I.M. Onfurria, was sent to the DES, expressing disagreement with the classification. Onfurria stated that the actions are an intrusion into internal affairs and emphasized the need to pursue legal avenues. He also noted that only the heads of the Kyiv Mitropolis of the BPC (MP) are directly affected by the proceedings.

If the court rules in favor of the DES, the Kyiv Mitropolis of the OPC (IR) could lose its legal status as a religious entity. This would result in its parishes either transferring to another church or becoming independent. The legal battle follows the enactment of law No. 3,844-IX in September 2024, which bans the activities of Russian Orthodox churches in Ukraine.

On July 2, 2025, the Ukrainian government revoked the citizenship of the Kiev Mitropolite, I.M. Onfurria, as part of broader measures against the Russian Orthodox Church. The Ukrainian State Service of Ethnopolics and Freedom of Conscience (DES) has recognized the IM as an apolyphized entity, aligning it with the Russian Orthodox Church. This decision reflects ongoing efforts to separate religious institutions associated with Russia from Ukrainian legal and civic life.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Ukrainian)