A parishioner shows what Lavra looks like now

Closed Near Сaves in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. Photo: a video screenshot of the "Fortress Lavra" Telegram channel

On March 1, 2024, a parishioner of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra published a video on the Telegram channel "Fortress Lavra", showing the results of the authorities' actions towards the monastery.

The video captured the closed Near Caves and the Exaltation of the Cross Church with its adjacent square.

"The Near Caves are unfortunately closed," says the Lavra parishioner. "The Exaltation of the Cross Church, which used to be filled with people, and the square where thousands came for communion and prayer, are now empty. This is what the museum aims for – the disgrace of neglect."

The woman concluded that in this situation, the rest of Kyiv is not even aware of the situation at the Lavra.

At present, the Lower Lavra is closed to everyone except for paid tours, and the authorities are attempting to evict the monks from their monastery.

As reported, the lawyers of the UOC reported to the police about the activists insulting the parishioners of the Lavra.

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