Montenegrin priest: Events in the Lavra are reminiscent of Bolshevik crimes
Archpriest Slobodan Zeković. Photo: website of the Church of St. Vladimir in Bar
The rector of the Cathedral of St. John Vladimir in Bar and archpriest-stavrophor, dean of Bar, Slobodan Zeković, gave a statement to the Serbian edition of the UOJ regarding the actions of the Ukrainian authorities with the relics in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.
The Montenegrin priest expressed deep concern over the events taking place in the Ukrainian holy site, drawing parallels with the God-fighting policies of the Soviet period.
“This terribly reminds us of the insane deeds of the Bolsheviks, who desecrated the relics of saints in the same way. I sincerely hope it will not come to such desecration as in the USSR,” said Fr. Slobodan.
As previously reported by the UOJ, staff of the Lavra museum complex have been carrying out manipulations with the relics of saints, causing serious concern in the Orthodox world.
The Exarch of the Jerusalem Patriarchate in Cyprus, Metropolitan Timotheos of Vostra, stated in an exclusive comment to the UOJ that these manipulations with the relics of the Venerable Fathers of the Caves amount to sacrilege comparable to the crimes of the godless Bolshevik regime.
Fr. Shalva Kekelia, rector of the Transfiguration Cathedral in Tbilisi, also stressed that the desecration of relics is forgiven to no one.
Read also
U.S. Congresswoman appeals to Vatican over UOC persecution
The legislator linked appeals to the Vatican with complaints about UOC persecution and stated that US taxpayers' money should not be directed to a government that persecutes Christians.
Pochaiv clergyman calls to uphold traditions and avoid pagan attributes
At the caroling festival, a Pochaiv Lavra priest highlighted Ukraine’s devout traditions and warned against modern innovations.
Israeli President calls to protect Christian communities and Holy Land sites
Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed concern about the mass exodus of young Christian families from the country.
UOC parish of Rivne region raises UAH 85,000 for sick children
A Christmas concert in Demydivka brought together parishioners and benefactors to provide targeted assistance to children with serious illnesses.
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.