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
Dumenko: We celebrate Christmas to gain strength for fighting the enemy
The head of the OCU believes that celebrating Christmas is necessary for confronting Russia.
UOC Chancellor explains to Serbian media why union with OCU is impossible
Metropolitan Anthony said the OCU arose outside the canonical order from schismatic structures – what took place was legalization, not the healing of a schism.
Terror attacks by IS supporters prevented in Turkey
In Istanbul, police detained more than a hundred members of an extremist network that had called for attacks during the holiday season.
“Decolonizing Christmas” tour held by Berlin Forum of Religions
An attempt was made to present Christmas in Germany through the lens of colonialism and oppression.
Report: Rising violence against Christians observed in the Holy Land
The Council of Patriarchs in Jerusalem presented a report on growing threats to Christians and the destruction of churches in Gaza and the West Bank.