Dumenko discusses "cleansing" Lavra of UOC with new Reserve Director
Epifaniy Dumenko and Acting Director of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra National Reserve Svitlana Kotliarevska. Photo: RISU
On May 27, 2025, Epifaniy Dumenko met with Svitlana Kotliarevska, newly appointed acting director of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra National Reserve, according to the press service of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU).
The two discussed “dialogue” between the OCU and the Reserve “to ensure the full operation and development of the monastery of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine within the Lavra’s walls.”
Additionally, Dumenko demanded that the Lavra’s caves be opened for the OCU and called for an end to “the groundless presence of representatives of the Moscow Patriarchate’s jurisdiction in the Reserve’s buildings.”
Dumenko and Kotliarevska agreed to “cooperate more closely” in order to “cleanse our outstanding Ukrainian shrine of the harmful influence of the so-called ‘Russian World’ ideology, which contradicts both spiritual values and the national interests of Ukraine.”
Dumenko expressed his confidence that the new leadership of the Reserve “will act more vigorously, within the framework of current legislation, to fully rid the Lavra of the influence of Moscow Patriarchate structures.”
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the Ministry of Culture had criticized the previous administration of the Lavra Reserve.
Read also
Greek authorities to close illegal mosques in Athens
A large-scale inspection of religious sites has begun in Athens, during which authorities intend to close around 60 mosques operating without permits
Polish Church discusses prospects for Orthodox religious classes in schools
In Warsaw, representatives of the Polish Orthodox Church and the Ministry of National Education examined the future of Orthodox religious education in schools.
Bulgaria to allocate €1.5 million for road to Zograf Monastery on Mount Athos
The Bulgarian government will finance repairs to the road leading to Zograf Monastery on Mount Athos, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Kyiv–Pechersk Lavra brotherhood honors memory of Hieromartyr Volodymyr
Services were held at the Kyiv Lavra on the day of remembrance of St Volodymyr, Metropolitan of Kyiv and Halych.
Abp Elpidophoros: Ukraine will shape the future of inter-Orthodox relations
The head of the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s Archdiocese of America said that the outcome of the war in Ukraine will determine church relations among the Orthodox Churches.
Case opened against organizer of UOC believers’ cross procession in Bukovyna
Police drew up an administrative report against a believer of the Chernivtsi Eparchy who organized a prayer procession to the skete of Blessed Xenia of St Petersburg in the village of Molnytsia.