Ministry of Culture officials re-enter Lavra's Near Caves
Ministry commission entering the Near Caves of the Lavra. Photo: UOJ
On April 1, 2025, several individuals entered the Near Caves of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. Corresponding photos were obtained by UOJ. One of the individuals was carrying a lighting device mounted on a tripod.
As a reminder, on March 28, members of the Ministry of Culture’s commission on determining the “presence of relics” – accompanied by police – broke the locks on the doors to the Near and Far Caves and replaced them with their own. Based on this, it can be assumed that those who entered the Near Caves on April 1 were commission members returning to continue their work of assessing the “scientific and historical value” of the relics of the Venerable Fathers of the Caves. The commission reportedly includes biologists, veterinarians, embryologists, and embalming specialists.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that Metropolitan Theodosiy commented on the commission’s activities in the Lavra. A Greek theologian also appealed to Church primates regarding the desecration in the Lavra.
Read also
Syrskyi awards “Golden Cross” to UOC’s Volyn Eparchy cleric
Ukraine’s military command recognized a priest who took part in combat operations and sustained a serious battlefield injury.
President of New York Young Republicans voices support for UOC
The American political activist recorded a video address in which he spoke of pressure on the Church in Ukraine and pledged to seek its protection internationally.
OCU parishioners in Kosmach sue each other over December 25 service
An OCU parish in Ivano-Frankivsk Region held no services either on December 25 or on January 7.
Analyst likens Bankova’s case against UOC to Stalin-era repression
Bondarenko said the way the authorities justify pressure on the Church may amount to the rhetoric of the totalitarian era.
Christmas caroling and festive concerts held across UOC eparchies
During the January celebration of the Nativity of Christ, UOC communities across the country sing carols, hold concerts, and organize charitable initiatives.
Primate: God’s law is written in every human heart
During a sermon in Boryspil, His Beatitude reminded the faithful of the meaning of Christmas and the need to live according to God’s commandments.