Criminal case opened against Lavra's acting head after meeting with Dumenko

Lower Lavra. Photo: Telegram channel “Lavra Now”

On June 3, 2025, the complaint filed by the brotherhood of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra was upheld regarding the failure to enter information about a violation against the monastery into the Unified Register of Pre-Trial Investigations, reports the Lavra’s attorney, Archpriest Nikita Chekman.

A Kyiv court has ordered the Podil District Police Department to enter into the Unified Register of Pre-Trial Investigations a report of a criminal offense allegedly committed by Svitlana Kotliarevska, the acting general director of the National Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Reserve. According to the monastery’s legal representative, the offense took place during Kotliarevska’s meeting with Epifaniy Dumenko.

It should be noted that during a meeting between the head of the OCU and Kotliarevska, they discussed the “cleansing” of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra from representatives of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The monks regard such statements as incitement to religious hatred (Article 161, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine) and a threat to the rights of UOC believers who remain at the Lavra.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that a criminal case was also opened against an SBU officer for his activities in the Lavra.

Read also

UOC priest’s home damaged in drone strike on Poltava

The home of Archpriest Kostiantyn Fisun, rector of St. Seraphim Church in Poltava, was damaged in a drone attack.

Kyiv Theological Schools begin enrollment for catechetical courses

The Kyiv Theological Academy has announced enrollment for the St. Peter Mohyla Catechetical Courses for laypeople.

Greek hierarch criticizes new school textbooks containing LGBT propaganda

Metropolitan Seraphim called on parents to monitor school lessons in order to protect their children.

Site blessed for new church construction in Oleksandriia Eparchy

On the feast day of St. Seraphim of Sarov, Metropolitan Boholep laid a foundation capsule for a new church.

World Council of Churches condemns confiscation of Evangelical church in Iran

Secretary General Jerry Pillay demanded the return of the St. Peter's Church compound to believers.

Poland repeals law recognizing same-sex unions concluded in EU

The court ruled that the registration of foreign same-sex unions contradicts the article of the Constitution defining marriage as a union of a man and a woman.