Lavra abbot appeals against sanctions imposed on him in court

Metropolitan Pavel (Lebed). Photo: wz.lviv.ua

Metropolitan Pavel, the abbot of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, has filed a lawsuit with the Administrative Court of Cassation, which operates in the Supreme Court, to find illegal and cancel two presidential decrees on personal sanctions, reports the portal “Sudova Vlada Ukrainy”.

The bishop challenged decrees No 820/2022 of December 1, 2022, and No 43/2023 of January 24, 2023, by which the head of the state imposed sanctions of the National Security and Defense Council and then expanded the list of restrictions in relation to Bishop Pavel and 9 other clerics of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

The sanctions, in particular, provide for blocking assets, restricting trade operations, limiting, partially or fully stopping the transit of resources, flights and transportation through Ukraine, preventing the transfer of capital outside Ukraine, stopping cultural exchanges, scientific cooperation, educational contacts with foreign states and legal entities, etc.

As reported, Metropolitan Pavel is under 24-hour house arrest – he is accused of justifying Russian aggression and inciting religious strife.

Read also

Prayers further offered for imprisoned UOJ journalists at Lavra's standing

People pray to the Lord to protect the "prisoners of conscience" from all sorrow, trouble, need, and illness.

Metropolitan Theodosiy's house arrest extended

The bishop participated in the hearing via videoconference, but opponents of the UOC were active near the courthouse.

Dumenko and Zoria discuss combating "Russian World" with Minister of Culture

Tochytskyi and representatives of the OCU discussed countering Russia’s attempts to destroy Ukraine's national identity.

Greek theologian: Religious situation in Ukraine divides Orthodoxy

According to the Greek theologian, "many Ukrainian Orthodox worshippers have been hesitant to leave the church under the Moscow Patriarchate and join the independent Orthodox Church of Ukraine, fearing a potential excommunication for being schismatics."  

OCU cleric blames TRC for forced mobilization and kidnapping of parishioners

It is reported that the mobilized person was helping with repair work in the church.

Greek theologian explains why Churches do not accuse ROC Primate of heresy

A professor from the University of Athens explained why no Orthodox Church had condemned Patriarch Kirill as heretic so far.