Ukrainian authorities seize Dormition Cathedral of UOC Volodymyr-Volynskyi Diocese

On October 10, 2025, representatives of the Ukrainian authorities seized the buildings of the Holy Dormition Cathedral, the Diocesan Administration and the Theological School of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church’s Volodymyr-Volynskyi Diocese.

According to eyewitnesses, the police cordoned off the area, and the UOC faithful were not allowed near the church. Present at the scene were government officials, who were conducting an “inventory of the property.”

Videos and photos posted online show dozens of police cars driving up to the church. The faithful gathered by the cathedral’s walls; many of them had come there during the night in order to defend the holy place. Despite the community’s repeated requests, they were denied access to the church. Government officials and unidentified individuals were reportedly inside, inspecting the cathedral’s premises and recording video. According to the members of the UOC community, none of the clergy was involved.

Since the authorities sealed the cathedral, the faithful have been gathering for prayer out in the open.

On October 12, Metropolitan Volodymyr of Volodymyr-Volynskyi and Kovel celebrated the Liturgy in a small chapel. Some of the parishioners could find room inside, while the rest were praying outside, in the rain. After the Liturgy, Metropolitan Volodymyr addressed his flock with a homily, offering them support and consolation and encouraging the faithful not to lose heart, but to keep praying despite all the ordeals.

DECR Communication Service/Patriarchia.ru