In brief
A Ukrainian appeals court upheld a ruling favouring the state and the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra National Reserve in a dispute over a Moscow Patriarchate monastery's access to two churches.
The Northern Commercial Court of Appeal rejected the monastery's appeal on November 12, 2026, UNIAN reported, citing Deputy Prime Minister for Humanitarian Policy and Culture Minister Tetiana Berezhna. She said the ruling was final and had entered into legal force.
The monastery sought to restore access to the Dormition Cathedral and the Refectory Church with its Refectory Chamber in the Upper Lavra for worship and religious rites. Its representatives argued that the agreements allowing use of the buildings remained in effect. Kyiv's Commercial Court rejected the original claim on June 13, 2023.
According to Berezhna, the monastery used the buildings under two agreements dated June 17, 2016, allowing free use during specified hours. Those agreements expired on December 31, 2022. She said the reserve had notified the monastery in advance that they would expire and would not be renewed.
Telegram · Follow KLYAMKA ↗