"The preservation of cultural heritage sites is a priority constitutional task of the state, as cultural heritage is the most powerful component of forming Ukrainian identity; its effective preservation, restoration, and appropriate use are among the leading tasks of the state in the cultural sphere," the statement says.
The Smila District Prosecutor's Office established that state ownership rights have not been registered for some religious buildings, complicating the implementation of the state's rights as the owner. The prosecutor filed lawsuits in court to resolve the issue of formalizing state ownership rights over these churches.
Court Decision
The Cherkasy District Administrative Court supported the lawsuits and obliged the Cherkasy Regional Administration to take the necessary measures on this issue.
It is recalled that the State Service for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience previously filed a lawsuit to terminate the activities of the Moscow church, which has ties to the Russian Orthodox Church. Also, the Cassation Administrative Court of the Supreme Court denied complaints regarding the transfer of St. Nicholas Cathedral in Kyiv to the parish community.
The return of ancient churches to state ownership in the Cherkasy region is an important step in preserving cultural heritage and restoring Ukrainian identity. The state's right to these sites will help ensure their proper maintenance and preservation for future generations.