Real Convent of the ISS on Cherkassm Exposed on Land Armored Land

The nun, who led the convent of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) in Cherkasy, has been accused of illegally leasing over 40 hectares of land owned by the state. The land was originally allocated for agricultural use by the public, intended for local communities to manage their own farms. According to reports from the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the monastery entered into a lease agreement with an agrarian enterprise, which allegedly paid significantly less than market rates for the land.

The investigation reveals that the lease was not formalized through a written contract but was based solely on oral agreements. This lack of documentation allowed the agrarian enterprise to avoid paying full market value and to evade taxes. Over the course of ten years, the monastery reportedly received substantial sums in cash for the use of the land, raising concerns about the misuse of public resources.

The SBU has now initiated legal proceedings to terminate the lease agreement and reclaim the land for state ownership. The case is being referred to the Cherkasy Regional Court, where the court is expected to rule on whether the lease should be revoked. Under Ukrainian law, the offense of illegal land use falls under Article 190 of the Criminal Code, which addresses fraudulent activities related to land transactions.

The case has drawn attention due to its implications for the management of religious institutions and their interactions with state-owned land. It also highlights broader concerns about transparency and accountability in the use of public resources. The investigation is part of a larger effort to scrutinize the financial practices of religious organizations and ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards.

The situation underscores the importance of clear legal frameworks and transparent governance in the management of public assets. As the case moves forward, it will be closely watched for its potential impact on both religious institutions and the broader community. The principles of justice and accountability, as emphasized in Micah 6:8, remain central to addressing such issues.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Ukrainian)