Searches in the Pochayiv Lavra: what is known about the case and why it is resonant
8 October 16:38
Searches are underway at the Pochayiv Lavra in the Ternopil region. The police reported that investigators are acting within the framework of criminal proceedings under Part 5 of Article 190 of the Criminal Code – fraud on a large scale or as part of an organized group. This was reported by Ukrinform, according to [ komersant].
Law enforcement officers are seizing documents that may be relevant to the case. Procedural support is provided by the local SBU unit.
Why it is important
- The Pochayiv Lavra is one of the largest shrines in Ukraine and is used by the UOC (MP).
- The religious community of the monastery has repeatedly been the subject of inspections, in particular after state decisions on the inventory of church property.
- The case was classified as a large-scale fraud, an article that provides for long-term imprisonment if proven guilty.
Reactions and context
- Representatives of the monastery and the UOC (MP) have previously tried to avoid inspections related to the inventory.
- The public is increasingly paying attention to the financial and organizational activities of church structures, especially those that maintain ties with Moscow.
- Similar investigative actions have already taken place in the Kyiv Cave Monastery, where law enforcement officers were looking for evidence of anti-Ukrainian activities and illegal use of property.
As a reminder, the Pochayiv Monastery belongs to the state, but is transferred to the UOC (MP).
In 2023-2025, the authorities stepped up inspections of religious institutions affiliated with the Moscow Patriarchate amid a full-scale war.
The UOC (MP) has repeatedly denied accusations of collaboration with Russia, but a number of clergy have already been convicted of collaboration.
What’s next
The investigation is ongoing. If the suspicions of fraud are confirmed, the Lavra may become the subject of new legal decisions by the state. This may also affect the future use of the complex by the UOC (MP).
