Prague, March 11, 2026
svazpn.cz
There is growing concern in ecclesiastical circles in Prague that the Church of the Czech Lands could be deprived of three important churches.
Union of Orthodox Journalists sources suggest that the lease agreements between three significant Orthodox parishes and the Prague City Hall may be under review, with some indicating that the existing arrangements could be terminated or revised.
The three churches in question are the Cathedral of Sts. Cyril and Methodius in Prague, the Church of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos in the Na Slupi neighborhood, and the Church of St. Catherine of Alexandria in Prague 2.
Of particular significance is the cathedral, which is closely connected with the founding of the Local Orthodox Church, its martyric history, and the broader history of the Czech Republic.
According to available information, one factor in the review of lease arrangements may be that His Eminence Archbishop Michael is listed as parish administrator in two of the three churches. The Prague City Hall reportedly regards him as a controversial figure and a security risk, a circumstance that could play a role in any reconsideration of the lease agreements.
There are also indications that if Abp. Michael remains listed as parish administrator, the parishes could face restrictions on or complete loss of use of the churches. In this way, municipal authorities hope to force personnel changes in the Church.
These reports come against a backdrop of mounting pressure on the Orthodox Church in the Czech Republic. In January 2026, the Czech Academy of Sciences published a policy brief alleging that the Church poses security risks, citing potential Russian influence among leadership. The report recommended that Czech authorities consider revoking the registration of the Russian Orthodox Church’s representation parish and potentially withdrawing certain rights from the Czech-Slovak Church, while calling for enhanced monitoring by security services. Critics noted that much of the report relied on inference and speculation rather than documented evidence.
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