St. Nicholas Church in Kyiv is transferred to the Roman Catholic community for 50 years
The St. Nicholas Church in Kyiv has been transferred for free long-term use to the Roman Catholic community. This decision was made on January 6, 2026. The church is being transferred for 50 years, with state control over its use. This decision has become an important step in restoring the rights of Roman Catholics in Ukraine.
The St. Nicholas Church is the only neo-Gothic architectural monument in Kyiv. It was built between 1899 and 1909 according to the design of Vladislav Gorodetsky. The building has great cultural significance and is an object of national cultural heritage, as highlighted by Yulia Svyrydenko, emphasizing the importance of preserving such objects for future generations.
History of the transfer of the temple
The decision to transfer the temple was made back in 2005, but the actual transfer became possible only after a court ruling that obligated the Ministry of Culture to transfer the temple on January 24, 2025. This process lasted about 30 years, during which the Roman Catholic community fought for the return of their temple. Dmytro Lubinets noted that the decision to transfer the temple is a manifestation of justice, respect for believers, and a real guarantee of freedom of conscience in Ukraine.
It should be noted that the church has suffered significant damage. In 2021, it was affected by a fire, and in 2024 — due to a Russian missile strike. These events highlight the importance of restoring and preserving cultural heritage in the face of modern challenges.
The transfer of St. Nicholas Church to the Roman Catholic community is an important step in restoring the rights of religious minorities in Ukraine, especially in light of the ongoing struggle to return churches. It also underscores the growing attention to preserving cultural heritage, which is particularly relevant in the context of military conflicts and their consequences for architectural monuments. The restoration of the temple will not only facilitate the religious practices of the community but will also symbolize the restoration of cultural identity in Ukraine.