---
title: "Pochaiv Lavra Ordered to Sever Ties with the Russian Orthodox Church Within 30 Days: Results of the State Service Inspection"
description: "Pochaiv Lavra ordered to sever ties with the ROC within 30 days following a DESS inspection. The monastery must withdraw from the UOC structure and provide documentary confirmation. 🏛️📜"
date: 2026-07-27T18:50:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/pochaiv-lavra-ordered-to-sever-ties-with-the-roc-within-30-days
tags: [pochaev-lavra, russian-orthodox-church, ukraine-religion, dess-ukraine, upc]
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Pochaiv Lavra Ordered to Sever Ties with the Russian Orthodox Church Within 30 Days: Results of the State Service Inspection

![Pochaiv Lavra: golden domes and white walls of the monastery ordered to sever ties with the Russian Orthodox Church within 30 days](https://xab.info/media/2026/07/27/pochaevskaya-lavra-obiazali-razorvat-svyazi-s-rpc/pochaevskaya-lavra-obiazali-razorvat-svyazi-s-rpc-1.webp)

The Pochaiv Holy Dormition Lavra has received an official directive from Ukrainian authorities: within 30 days, it must provide documentary proof of severing all ties with the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC). This decision is the result of a comprehensive inspection conducted by the State Service of Ukraine for Ethics and Freedom of Conscience (DESS).

### Results of the State Inspection

Following an analysis of the monastery's charter documents and internal structure, DESS concluded that the Lavra is affiliated with a foreign religious organization whose activities are banned in Ukraine. This refers to the Russian Orthodox Church. The Service emphasized that the monastery's charter explicitly states its affiliation with the Kyiv Metropolitanate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), which has previously been recognized as linked to the ROC.

### Requirements for the Abbot and the Spiritual Council

According to the official directive, the Abbot of Pochaiv Lavra, together with the Spiritual Council, is obligated to make a decision to withdraw the monastery from the structure of the Kyiv Metropolitanate of the UOC. Furthermore, the Lavra's leadership must prepare and submit documentary confirmation of this decision within the specified timeframe of 30 days.

The Lavra is also ordered to draft a statement regarding the complete termination of ties with the ROC. The document must be prepared in accordance with Ukrainian legislation on freedom of conscience and religious organizations.

### Context and Background

Previously, DESS reported identifying signs of a connection between Pochaiv Lavra and the ROC during an analysis of its charter documents. This data formed the basis for the current directive. The Service emphasized that any religious organizations operating within Ukraine must comply with national legislation requirements, particularly regarding independence from foreign structures whose activities are prohibited.

Pochaiv Lavra is one of the most famous and historically significant monasteries in Ukraine. Its status and relations with religious jurisdictions have always attracted public interest. Now, the question of its affiliation has become a matter of official regulation by the state.