In Lavra, a police officer pushes a monk who was being delivered food

A policeman attacking Archimandrite Varnava in building 58 of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. Photo: a video screenshot of the Telegram channel "Lavra Now"

On 8 December 2023, one of the police officers used force against Archimandrite Varnava of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra to prevent him from taking a bag with food that was brought for the UOC believers living in building 58 of the monastery. The footage of the policeman pouncing on Fr Varnava was published by the Telegram channel “Lavra Now”.

The video shows how the law enforcers do not allow the man to enter the building to hand over food while hiding their faces and turning away from the cameras.

Later, Fr. Varnava descended to them and tried to take the food. However, one of the police officers rudely pushed the monk back into the building and knocked the phone out of his hand.

"Either go out or come in," the policeman repeated irritably several times, taking the bag of food from the clergyman.

One of the residents of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra said that the name of the policeman who attacked Fr. Varnava is Valentin, the chief police officer who is on duty at the Lavra.

As reported, the police in the Lavra are prohibiting food and water from being given to people in the sealed building.

Read also

After Chernivtsi mass brawl, Ukraine urges Romanian Church to recognize OCU

The Ambassador of Ukraine to Romania demands church recognition amid the seizure of churches and the beating of priests in Bukovyna.