Pochaiv Lavra's press office: Inventory commission was accompanied by SBU
An SBU officer at Pochaiv Lavra, November 30, 2023. Archive photo: hromadske
During the attempted illegal inventory at the Holy Dormition Pochaiv Lavra on January 17, representatives of the Ministry of Culture were accompanied by officers from the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the police. According to the monastery’s press office, this presence was intended to apply psychological pressure on the monks.
"The involvement of Security Service officers and police, alongside a representative of the Ministry of Culture, exerts psychological pressure on the monks and misleads the Ukrainian public into believing that the residents of Pochaiv Lavra are unwilling to act within the law," the statement said.
The monastery also believes that this attempt at what it calls "this shameful expropriation" is "a direct act of disrespect towards religious feelings and persecution of the faithful, monks, and all pilgrims of the Pochaiv Lavra."
As previously reported by the UOJ, the Pochaiv Lavra filed a police complaint over the attempted illegal inventory.
Read also
Rivne Eparchy holds a congress of priests’ wives
Metropolitan Pimen discussed family values and the role of a priest’s wife in parish life with the spouses of clergymen.
Growing Orthodox communities face a shortage of priests in U.S.
Analysts note that Orthodox parishes in America are growing faster than the number of clergy available to serve them.
Support for LGBT issues declines significantly in U.S., poll finds
Gallup has recorded a decline in Americans’ approval of same-sex marriage and gender transition procedures.
Internet shows condition in which Chernihiv shrines were transferred to UOC
Archival photographs show that Chernihiv’s ancient churches were handed over to believers after decades of neglect and destruction.
Oleksandriia Eparchy hosts “Nykyforov Readings” on regional history
Local historians and UOC clerics systematized information on anniversary churches and the lives of local saints.
After U.S. visit, Jerusalem Patriarch to travel to Greece and Russia
The Primate of the Jerusalem Church has announced official trips to Athens and Moscow.