The Chernihiv diocese of the UOC stated that it uses the Trinity and Yelets Monastery, as well as the Transfiguration Cathedral on legal grounds. The message of the diocese was posted by its press service on the official website.

The statement said that recently a campaign has been launched in the media associated with the letter of the acting. General Director of the National Architectural and Historical Reserve “Ancient Chernigov” Volodymyr Khomich. He demands from the Chernihiv diocese of the UOC until March 27, 2023 to vacate the premises belonging to the territory of the reserve.

The diocese referred to the legislation: “According to Article 17 of the Law of Ukraine “On Freedom of Conscience and Religious Organizations”, religious buildings and property constituting state property are transferred to organizations on whose balance sheet they are for free use or returned to the property of religious organizations free of charge” , the press service said in a statement.

In conclusion, the UOC noted that the letters of explanation from the State Property Fund of Ukraine are of an exclusively informational and explanatory nature and do not establish the rule of law.