Police open case against Lavra defenders for “hooliganism”
Worshippers and police outside the Lavra building No 39. Photo: a video screenshot of video from the Novyny.LIVE Telegram channel
The Investigative Department of Pechersk Police Directorate in Kyiv started criminal proceedings under Part 3 of Article 296 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (hooliganism) in connection with the fact that in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra believers opened building No39 sealed up by employees of the reserve and law enforcement officers, reports the Kyiv Police Communications Department.
According to the report, "after representatives of the Ministry of Culture commission inspected and sealed one of the buildings of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, a group of individuals broke the shutters that were closing the door and entered the premises.
The police said that the sanction of the article provides for imprisonment for up to five years.
As reported, the lawyer of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, Archpriest Nikita Chekman said that the commission of the reserve, accompanied by police, broke the locks and illegally sealed building 39. People remained inside the sealed building. The police did not respond to the believers' requests to open the door.
Law enforcers have already detained one of the Lavra's most active defenders.
Read also
Greek authorities to close illegal mosques in Athens
A large-scale inspection of religious sites has begun in Athens, during which authorities intend to close around 60 mosques operating without permits
Polish Church discusses prospects for Orthodox religious classes in schools
In Warsaw, representatives of the Polish Orthodox Church and the Ministry of National Education examined the future of Orthodox religious education in schools.
Bulgaria to allocate €1.5 million for road to Zograf Monastery on Mount Athos
The Bulgarian government will finance repairs to the road leading to Zograf Monastery on Mount Athos, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Kyiv–Pechersk Lavra brotherhood honors memory of Hieromartyr Volodymyr
Services were held at the Kyiv Lavra on the day of remembrance of St Volodymyr, Metropolitan of Kyiv and Halych.
Abp Elpidophoros: Ukraine will shape the future of inter-Orthodox relations
The head of the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s Archdiocese of America said that the outcome of the war in Ukraine will determine church relations among the Orthodox Churches.
Case opened against organizer of UOC believers’ cross procession in Bukovyna
Police drew up an administrative report against a believer of the Chernivtsi Eparchy who organized a prayer procession to the skete of Blessed Xenia of St Petersburg in the village of Molnytsia.