Head of Chernihiv UOC Cathedral: Ministry of Culture desecrated relics

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.

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