Serhiy Dumenko admitted to Lavra's Far Caves
Dumenko with colleagues in the Far Caves. Photo: OCU
On July 23, 2025, the authorities allowed Serhiy Dumenko, head of the OCU, into the Far Caves of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, according to the OCU website.
Accompanied by acting director of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra National Reserve Svitlana Kotliarevska and other reserve staff, Epiphanius and his associates held a “prayer service” in the cave church of St. Theodosius of the Caves.
During the event, Serhiy Petrovych expressed hope that “through the joint efforts” of the state and the OCU, “all issues will be resolved, and the faithful will soon be able to pray here.”
He also demanded the complete expulsion of the UOC from the Lavra.
Following the “prayer service,” reserve staff gave Dumenko a tour of the caves.
As previously reported by the UOJ, Dumenko had earlier discussed the “cleansing” of the Lavra from the UOC with the new head of the Lavra Reserve.
Read also
In Tbilisi, car rams into gates of Georgian Patriarchate
A passenger car knocked down the barrier and damaged the entrance to the territory of the Georgian Primate's residence.
DESS recognizes Holosiiv Monastery as affiliated with ROC
Viktor Yelensky signed an order recognizing the monastery as part of a foreign structure.
Patriarch and President of Serbia receive Belt of Most Holy Theotokos
The shrine is located in the Ascension Church and will be transferred by Patriarch Porfirije to Saint Sava Cathedral on May 21.
OCU “accepts” UOC community from Serbychany that voted against transfer
The OCU ignored the position of more than 400 village residents and announced the “accession” of the UOC community.
Supreme Court rejects UOC bishop’s appeal over Kremenchuk Trinity Cathedral
The cassation instance within the Supreme Court upheld the decision transferring the church to the OCU structure.
Georgia prepares festivities marking 1,700 yrs since adoption of Christianity
Authorities and the Church in Tbilisi agreed on a phased calendar and the regions where commemorative events for the anniversary will be held.