Chernihiv Reserve seals Holy Trinity complex

On 7 March 2024, representatives of the National Reserve "Chernihiv Ancient", together with people in military uniform, closed the Chernihiv Holy Trinity complex and sealed off the entrance and buildings on its territory, reports the UOC Information and Educational Department.

Archpriest Ihor Pidan, the Secretary of the Chernihiv Eparchy, said that representatives of the Reserve were already standing at the gates at 6 a.m. When the guard opened them, they entered, and no one else was allowed into the territory. Parishioners could not attend the service at 7 a.m.

"Representatives of the Reserve stayed for a while in the complex grounds and then left. Only the men in military uniform remained. They allowed the students of our seminary to continue living in their cells but sealed off the educational buildings," commented Fr Igor on the situation.

The priest also noted that he received "no explanations or documents", only being told that personal belongings could be collected from Monday.

He also added that the courts are continuing and no ruling that could legally guide the officials has yet been issued.

"The Kyiv Court of Appeal in the Trinity Cathedral case informed us that it has only requested materials from the Chernihiv Economic Court regarding our case. We have also filed an appeal on the situation around the Transfiguration Cathedral. We have also filed an appeal regarding the situation around the Transfiguration Cathedral. No decisions have been made yet," emphasized the eparchy's secretary.

However, the Reserve sealed off the entrance to the complex and the buildings, and hung up a notice: "Inspection of the technical condition of cultural heritage sites continues."

As reported, the Chernihiv Eparchy of the UOC will appeal against the court's decision to deprive it of two cathedrals.