In the Pochaiv Lavra, representatives of the state were not allowed to enter one of the churches whose term of use by the UOC (Moscow Patriarchate) had expired.
That’s according to the Minister of Culture and Information Policy, Oleksandr Tkachenko, who spoke at the national telethon, Ukrinform reports.
“We have terminated the agreement regarding one of the churches on the territory of the Pochaiv Lavra. And here is the characteristic behavior of the priest with the UOC (MP) from this cathedral: he shuts down the cathedral, denies representatives of the state national reserve access to the temple. We are forced to go to court and regain control of state property,” said Tkachenko.
In the same way, according to the minister, lease agreements have expired for some other churches, including in the Chernihiv Reserve.
“I believe we will act consistently, calmly, in accordance with the law, as regards other objects, too,” said Tkachenko.
He recalled that the Verkhovna Rada had registered relevant draft laws on the activities of the Moscow Patriarchate in Ukraine. If they are adopted, the state will act in accordance with the law.
