Lawyer: MinCult actions in the Near and Far Caves of the Lavra are illegal
A representative of the Ministry of Culture is changing the lock at the entrance to the Near Caves in the Lavra. Photo: screenshot t.me/nikita_chekman
The lawyer of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, Archpriest Nikita Chekman, stated on his Telegram that the actions of the representatives of the Reserve and the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine on the territory of the monastery on the morning of March 28, 2025, are illegal.
On that day, a commission arrived at the Lower Caves of the Lavra for "inventory and inspection" of the holy relics. One of the employees of the Reserve came with a grinder to cut the locks. Later, representatives of the Ministry of Culture also entered the Far Caves.
The lawyer reminded that a court process is currently ongoing, and the monastery has repeatedly appealed to the court with claims challenging the actions of the authorities.
"Without final court decisions, all these actions by the Ministry of Culture and the Reserve are illegal," emphasized Father Nikita.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the Ministry of Culture's commission arrived with the police to "inventory" the relics in the Lavra.
Read also
Civic movement calls on SBU to tighten oversight of Pochaiv Lavra
Activists demanded that legal proceedings begin immediately if the Pochaiv Lavra fails to comply with DESS requirements.
4th-year students tonsured as readers at Pochaiv Seminary
Metropolitan Sergiy and Archbishop Job performed the tonsure of readers on the feast of the Beheading of John the Baptist.
Chisinau Airport restricts access due to influx of Hasidic pilgrims
Chisinau Airport administration has established special rules due to the transit of Hasidic pilgrims to Ukraine.
SBU reports suspicion against ROC Metropolitan Tikhon (Shevkunov)
The SBU and the Prosecutor General's Office charged the ROC hierarch under two articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
UCCRO briefs German delegation on persecution in occupied territories
UCCRO members discussed cooperation with the German delegation from Baden-Württemberg.
DESS congratulates Ukraine’s Jewish community on Rosh Hashanah
DESS emphasized the importance of the Jewish community in Ukraine preserving its own identity.