Dumenko claims that he does not consider Sviatohirsk Lavra as a Lavra
Sviatohirsk Lavra. Photo: Radio Liberty
The head of the OCU, Epifaniy Dumenko, in an interview with Radio Liberty, stated that it is believed within his structure that Ukraine has two, rather than three monasteries with Lavra status.
"It's the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra and the Pochayiv Lavra because the Lavra status of the Sviatohirsk Monastery was granted during Yanukovych's rule. And it was at his request that Moscow elevated the status of this monastery to Lavra. But historically, it has never been a Lavra. Historically, we can speak of the existence of two major Ukrainian Lavras. These are the Kyiv Lavra and the Pochayiv Lavra," he stated.
At the same time, he claimed that both Lavras will eventually be incorporated into his structure, and that it's just a matter of time.
As reported by the UOJ, on April 25, the Donetsk Regional Prosecutor's Office announced that a court had selected a measure of restraint for Metropolitan Arseny, the abbot of the Sviatohirsk Lavra, viz. detaining the UOC hierarch for 60 days without the right to bail.
Read also
Monastic tonsure performed in the Khust Diocese
At the diocesan metochion in the village of Synevyrska Polyana, Bishop Mark of Rakhiv performed the rite of monastic tonsure.
OCU consecrates memorial sign to UPA commander in Volyn
In the village of Botyn, representatives of the OCU supported the state-level glorification of UPA figures by consecrating a memorial to one of its commanders.
UOC deacon dies saving drowning child in Finland
The deacon immediately rushed to help when he saw a child in danger, but was unable to reach the shore himself.
TRC abducts priest of UOC Tulchyn Eparchy
The whereabouts of the UOC archpriest detained by the recruitment officers are currently unknown.
Pagan Kupala festival held on Odesa seashore
An ethno-festival titled “Kupala Night” was held on an inclusive beach in Odesa.
Zelensky: I am not Prince Volodymyr, and Nawrocki is not a king
Zelensky attempted a play on the Polish president’s name by alluding to a “king,” although the name Karol derives from the Germanic Karl rather than from the word “king.”