Court obligates UOC to vacate the Dormition Cathedral Complex in Volodymyr

Dormition Cathedral in Volodymyr. Photo: drevo.info

On November 12, a session was held in the Commercial Court of the Volyn region concerning the termination of the gratuitous use agreement for the Dormition Cathedral complex by the UOC in Volodymyr, as reported by Bug.

The court ruled not to extend the agreement with the UOC and ordered a court fee of 3,000 hryvnias to be paid. The UOC has the right to appeal this decision.

The UOC’s interests were represented by attorney Kateryna Pegza, who proposed renewing the agreement with the plaintiff on a paid basis.

The UOC representatives did not submit a renewal application for the lease agreement, and the attorney noted that a previous claim to the Commercial Court had been returned. The plaintiff, represented by legal counsel of the Volyn Regional State Administration Oleksandr Harnola, stated that the agreement for the gratuitous use of the Dormition Cathedral complex would not be extended.

Judge Ihor Harbar, after hearing both sides, ruled to grant the claim of the Volyn Regional Military Administration, ordering the UOC religious community to return the complex of religious buildings located at 25-27 Soborna Street in Volodymyr, including the Dormition Cathedral, the bell tower, and the walls with gates, which are national architectural monuments. The transfer of buildings is to be completed by signing a handover document.

As reported by the UOJ, the ECHR has initiated proceedings regarding the UOC's ban by local authorities in Volyn.

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