Head of Chernihiv UOC Cathedral: Ministry of Culture desecrated relics

People in balaclavas block the entrance to the Trinity Cathedral in Chernihiv. Photo: UOJ

People in balaclavas block the entrance to the Trinity Cathedral in Chernihiv. Photo: UOJ

The inspection in the Trinity Cathedral of the UOC in Chernihiv by the Ministry of Culture and the "Ancient Chernihiv" Reserve has been completed. The cathedral's abbot and secretary of the Chernihiv eparchy, Archpriest Ihor Pydan, described the actions of officials as desecration of the relics of St. Theodosius, St. Venerable Lawrence, and St. Philaret Gumilevsky.

He stated that there were no explanations or orders regarding the so-called "examination of relics", which was carried out under the protection of individuals in camouflage with automatic weapons.

"The religious community and the Church have never hindered the reserve or the Ministry of Culture commission. But today, they broke in, didn't let anyone in, and it was clear that they were doing something that we would not allow them to do," said the priest.

As reported by the UOJ, the inspection by the Ministry of Culture and the reserve began on the morning of December 14. Representatives of the "Ancient Chernihiv" Reserve, escorted by individuals in camouflage, entered the Trinity Cathedral of the UOC in Chernihiv and did not allow any clergy inside.

Read also

“OCU Lavra abbot” claims UOC monks “betrayed” relics of Venerable Fathers

Avrahamiy Lotysh accused the monks of the monastery – who have been denied access to the Kyiv Caves Lavra catacombs for several months – of having “forgotten their duties.”

ROC DECR Chairman informs Pope of persecution against UOC

During the conversation, numerous topics were discussed, including the state of Orthodox-Catholic dialogue and ongoing global conflicts.

Faithful in Chernivtsi Oblast hold procession for the Baptism of Rus’ Day

Orthodox believers from Bukovyna are walking in prayer toward the patronal feast of the Vladimir Monastery in Kolinkivtsi.

Human rights advocates: TRC threatens those wishing to join Romanian Church

Three communities in Chernivtsi Oblast were threatened with mobilization of their men if they did not withdraw applications to change jurisdiction.

Human rights advocates: DESS sabotaging establishment of RomOC in Ukraine

Yelenskyi claims that the existence of Romanian Church structures in Ukraine requires the consent of the OCU.

German RCC preparing document to introduce gender ideology in schools

Catholic bishops want to eliminate “irritation or concern over the diversity of sexual identities.”