Chernigov, Ukraine, July 22, 2025
Photo: orthodox.com.ua
On Sunday, July 20, the Holy Dormition-Elets Monastery of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church celebrated the 965th anniversary of its founding by Prince Svyatoslav Yaroslavich of Chernigov.
The festive date comes amidst the state’s two-year campaign to kick the Church out of its own monastery. The case is currently being heard by Chernigov courts.
Photo: orthodox.com.ua
The Divine Liturgy for the anniversary was led by four hierarchs: Their Eminences Metropolitan Kliment of Nizhyn, Archbishop Alexander of Gorodyntsia, Archbishop Nikodim of Lubny, and His Grace Bishop Theodosy of Ladan, concelebrated by monastery and diocesan clergy, reports the Chernigov Diocese.
Photo: orthodox.com.ua
During the Litany of Fervent Supplication, prayers were offered for peace in Ukraine for the suffering Church. At the Small Entrance, Abbess Maria was awarded the right to wear a second, jeweled, cross.
The Chernigov Diocese published a short video of the end of the Nicene Creed:
At the conclusion of the service, the glorification of the Mother of God was sung before the wonderworking Elets-Chernigov Icon.
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The 1,000-year-old Elets Monastery was closed by the Bolshevik authorities in 1921, coming under state control. Ukraine has continued this Soviet tradition, and the monastery is today part of the Ancient Chernigov National Architectural and Historical Preserve, together with Holy Trinity Monastery and Holy Transfiguration Cathedral.
In February 2023, the Preserve, which falls under the Ministry of Culture, informed the Church that its lease was up and it had to vacate the monastery. The UOC is fighting for the right to use its own monastery, though its case has been rejected at various levels. The latest hearing occurred on July 3.
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