Dumenko performs first "liturgy" in Lavra's Far Caves

Serhiy Dumenko (left) in the Far Caves of the Lavra. Photo: OCU

On August 28, 2025, the head of the OCU, Serhiy Dumenko, performed the first "liturgy" in the Far Caves of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, reports the OCU website.

As the press service writes, the religious event "became possible after a series of measures aimed at preserving the reliquaries with holy relics and the recent restoration of the caves."

The report did not specify what the OCU means by "measures aimed at preserving the reliquaries with holy relics", but it can be assumed that Dumenko refers to the museum staff's manipulations regarding the "reclothing" of the Venerable Fathers' relics, photos of which have surfaced online.

The event was attended by the acting head of the Reserve, Svitlana Kotliarevska.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that in the Lavra, reserve staff tampered with the holy relics of the Venerable Fathers.

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.