Ukrainian Security Official Says No Forced Eviction From Kyiv Monastery But Property Must Be Vacated

The Ukrainian government has stated it will not use force to evict representatives of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) from the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, a historic 11th-century monastery and UNESCO World Heritage site. However, the site must be vacated, according to Oleksiy Danilov, secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council. Danilov, speaking on Ukrainian television on March 29, emphasized that the laws of Ukraine must be followed by all, including the UOC. He said the monks are expected to leave quietly, though the UOC has refused to comply with the order to vacate the premises.

Metropolitan Pavlo, abbot of the monastery, told worshippers on March 29 that the UOC would not leave the site pending the outcome of a lawsuit it filed last week to block the eviction. The UOC, which previously fell under the jurisdiction of the Russian Orthodox Church in Moscow, cut ties with Moscow in May 2022 over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Despite this, the UOC has been accused of maintaining links to Russia. In November, security agents conducted a counterintelligence operation at the Pechersk Lavra and other UOC facilities as part of an investigation into suspected pro-Russia activity.

The Ukrainian government has terminated the lease on the monastery, which it owns, effective March 29. The agency overseeing the property notified the UOC earlier this month of the lease termination. Danilov stated the move is in the interest of national security, asserting that the work of the UOC cannot be carried out within Ukraine from the perspective of national security and must be stopped. The Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), the country’s main Orthodox church, has a significantly larger following than the UOC, with 34 percent of Ukrainians identifying as members, compared to 14 percent for the UOC.

The Pechersk Lavra, also known as the Monastery of the Caves, has been a focal point of religious and political tensions in Ukraine. The UOC’s ties to Moscow have raised concerns about its alignment with Russian interests, especially amid the ongoing conflict. The government’s decision to reclaim the monastery reflects broader efforts to assert control over religious institutions and align them with national interests. The situation underscores the complex interplay between religious identity, political sovereignty, and security concerns in Ukraine.

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