Faithful block entry at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra despite lease agreement expired in Kyiv, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine

Belivers of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (commonly referred to as the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate) pray as they block the entrance to one of a church in the area of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra monastery in Kyiv, Ukraine on 30 March 2023, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine.About one hundred of believers blocked the access of Ukraine's Ministry of Culture commission to the monastery, despite lease agreement expired. Reserve "Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra" terminated the lease agreement with the Ukrainian Orthodox Church accused of being linked to the Moscow Patriarchate, with the demand to move out of the monastery by 29 March, according to local media. The vicar of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra Metropolitan Pavlo (Lebid), said that they do not plan to leave the Lavra and file a lawsuit against the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra national reserve, according to local media.