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
Greek authorities to close illegal mosques in Athens
A large-scale inspection of religious sites has begun in Athens, during which authorities intend to close around 60 mosques operating without permits
Polish Church discusses prospects for Orthodox religious classes in schools
In Warsaw, representatives of the Polish Orthodox Church and the Ministry of National Education examined the future of Orthodox religious education in schools.
Bulgaria to allocate €1.5 million for road to Zograf Monastery on Mount Athos
The Bulgarian government will finance repairs to the road leading to Zograf Monastery on Mount Athos, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Kyiv–Pechersk Lavra brotherhood honors memory of Hieromartyr Volodymyr
Services were held at the Kyiv Lavra on the day of remembrance of St Volodymyr, Metropolitan of Kyiv and Halych.
Abp Elpidophoros: Ukraine will shape the future of inter-Orthodox relations
The head of the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s Archdiocese of America said that the outcome of the war in Ukraine will determine church relations among the Orthodox Churches.
Case opened against organizer of UOC believers’ cross procession in Bukovyna
Police drew up an administrative report against a believer of the Chernivtsi Eparchy who organized a prayer procession to the skete of Blessed Xenia of St Petersburg in the village of Molnytsia.