Holy relics defiled: Lavra turns to state investigators amid scandal
Far Caves of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. Photo: Lavra’s official website
April 8, 2025 – Representatives of the Holy Dormition Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra have submitted a formal complaint to the Territorial Department of the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) regarding alleged criminal offenses committed during a state commission’s "inspection" of relics in the Lavra's Near and Far Caves.
According to lawyer Nikita Chekman, who shared the news via his Telegram channel, the actions of Ukraine’s Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications, Mykola Tochynskyi, along with members of the commission he appointed, may constitute criminal violations under two articles of the Ukrainian Criminal Code.
The Lavra’s legal team alleges that Minister Tochynskyi’s Order No. 214, issued on March 5, 2025, effectively authorized actions that fall under the legal definition of “desecration of a human body committed by a group of persons” (Part 3, Article 297), and “offending citizens’ religious feelings committed by an official” (Part 2, Article 161).
The monastery expressed particular outrage over the composition of the commission, which included not only human biology experts but also specialists in veterinary medicine and the biomorphology of vertebrate animals. According to Lavra representatives, the very formation of such a commission and its examination of holy relics is deeply offensive to Orthodox believers.
The lawyer further emphasized that the commission’s actions effectively amount to the exhumation of human remains, a process that requires specific legal procedures and justification – which, in this case, are absent.
The Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra is currently awaiting the launch of a pre-trial investigation.
Earlier, the UOJ analyzed what it called sacrilegious actions by authorities at the Lavra.
Read also
Ultra-Orthodox Jews paralyze traffic in Israel over arrest of draft evaders
Ultra-Orthodox demonstrators blocked highways and railway tracks, demanding an end to the arrest of those refusing military service.
Patronal feast celebrated at Kherson cathedral damaged by shelling
Because of damage caused by Russian shelling, the festal Liturgy on the Day of the Holy Spirit was celebrated for the first time in the lower church of the Kherson Eparchy’s cathedral.
Kremenchuk Eparchy comments on situation around Holy Trinity Cathedral
The UOC emphasized that any disputes regarding the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Kremenchuk should be resolved exclusively within the legal framework.
4,000 faithful celebrate patronal feast of Holy Spirit Skete of Pochaiv Lavra
The celebration of the Day of the Holy Spirit brought together pilgrims from across Ukraine at the skete of Pochaiv Lavra.
OCU supporters prepare to seize UOC church in Kolonshchyna
In a village in Kyiv Region, OCU supporters held what parishioners describe as an unlawful meeting to “transfer” a UOC parish, despite the religious community having already reaffirmed its loyalty to its Church.
His Beatitude officiates at Liturgy in Kyiv on Day of the Holy Spirit
At the church complex dedicated to the Icon of the Mother of God “Quick to Hear” in Kyiv, the Primate of the UOC celebrated the festal Liturgy and offered prayers for peace in Ukraine.