In Photos: Orthodox Believers, Pro-Ukrainian Protesters Stand Off at Historic Kyiv Monastery
An ongoing dispute over the historic Kyiv Pechersk Lavra monastery came to a head last week as demonstrators rallied against a group of Orthodox monks who Ukrainian authorities accuse of having links to Russia.
Last month, the state body that oversees the Lavra terminated its contract with the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, telling its members to leave the premises by March 30. But the church refused and filed an appeal against the decision.
The Ukrainian government said on March 29 that it would evict the priests if they did not willingly leave, though the process could take weeks. Despite the church officially breaking ties with the Russian Patriarchate after the invasion of Ukraine last year, Kyiv believes it remains de facto dependent on Moscow.
Moscow has accused the United States of being behind the pressure that Ukrainian authorities have been exerting on the church.
Last month, the state body that oversees the Lavra terminated its contract with the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, telling its members to leave the premises by March 30. But the church refused and filed an appeal against the decision.
The Ukrainian government said on March 29 that it would evict the priests if they did not willingly leave, though the process could take weeks. Despite the church officially breaking ties with the Russian Patriarchate after the invasion of Ukraine last year, Kyiv believes it remains de facto dependent on Moscow.
Moscow has accused the United States of being behind the pressure that Ukrainian authorities have been exerting on the church.

Believers of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which is accused of maintaining links with Moscow, display a Ukrainian flag and icons as they block the historic Kyiv Pechersk Lavra monastery.
Sergei Chuzhakov / AFP

Orthodox believers kneel in prayer beside the revered religious site.
Sergei Supinsky / AFP

Pro-Ukrainian protesters trample a photo of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russian Orthodox Church leader Patriarch Kirill at a demonstration outside the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra.
Sergei Chuzhakov / AFP

Protesters gather in opposition to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church's continued presence at the historic monastery.
Sergei Chuzhakov / AFP

Orthodox believers wave flags and display religious icons as they face off with pro-Ukrainian demonstrators.
Sergei Chuzhakov / AFP

Orthodox believers pray as they block entry to the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra.
Sergei Chuzhakov / AFP

Ukrainian security officers surround Metropolitan Pavlo, abbot of Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, who is suspected of justifying Russian aggression, a criminal offense.
Ukrainian Security Service

Believers of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church face off with pro-Ukrainian protesters outside the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra.
Sergei Chuzhakov / AFP

In a Saturday court hearing, the metropolitan denied accusations that he justified Russia's invasion, saying the charges against him are politically driven.
Sergei Chuzhakov / AFP

Protestors against the Ukrainian Orthodox Church display signs that read "Moscow priests back off from Ukraine!" and "Moscow shaman back off from the holy Lavra!" as they rally at the entrance to the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra.
Sergei Supinsky / AFP