Expert: Is MinCulture trying to determine which Lavra saints are Ukrainian?

Relics of St. Ilya Muromets. Photo: Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra's website

In an interview with blogger Oleksandr Shelest, political expert Kostiantyn Bondarenko commented on the Ministry of Culture’s commission tasked with “studying the scientific and cultural value of the remains of saints” in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.

In his view, these actions further highlight the government’s hostility toward the Church.

“The very inspection of the Near and Far Caves, initiated by the Minister of Culture, is cynical by nature – not only are they attempting to inventory the relics, but also to assess their scientific and historical value,” said Bondarenko.

He suggested that the inclusion of biologists and even veterinarians on the commission implies a scientific, possibly even genetic investigation.

“What exactly are they going to study? Are they trying to determine whether these relics belong to Ukrainians or not? How can one even identify historical and cultural value this way? I don’t understand it,” Bondarenko remarked.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that Metropolitan Luke, commenting on the commission’s work at the Lavra, stated: “The heavenly bliss in which the Kyiv-Pechersk ascetics dwell will remain the same. Only the afterlife of the museum worker, the veterinarian, the anatomist, the biologist, and other blasphemers participating in this godless spectacle will change. And I sincerely pity them.”

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