Relics in the Lavra placed under “tests” by microbiological laboratory
Far Caves of the Lavra. Photo: website of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra
The microbiological laboratory of Sumy State University “EKOMEDKHIM” conducted “tests” on the relics of the Venerable Fathers of the Caves in the Far Caves of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, reports the Lavra’s lawyer, Archpriest Nikita Chekman, who published the Ministry of Culture’s response to his attorney’s inquiry.
According to Deputy Minister Serhiy Belyaev, the testing protocols conducted on July 7, 2025, by the microbiological laboratory were carried out “in accordance with the Action Plan for the Preservation of the Far Caves (Building No. 91), approved by the Reserve’s order of July 28, 2025.”
Beliayev stated that the “tests” on the relics were conducted within the framework of the work of the Ministry of Culture’s commission, created in March 2025.
He refused to provide any information about the “tests,” referring to paragraph 3 of the order establishing the commission, which states that this information is classified as restricted access.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the Lavra Reserve refused to provide information about manipulations with the relics.
Read also
Prayers offered for victims of shelling in destroyed UOC church, Kryvyi Rih
Metropolitan Ephraim offered prayers for those killed and wounded in the shelling of Kryvyi Rih within the walls of a church destroyed by a missile strike.
Moldova’s Orthodox Church could be stripped of 800 churches – media
A ruling by the Chisinau Court of Appeal creates a mechanism for transferring holy sites away from the Orthodox Church of Moldova in favor of the Bessarabian Metropolis.
His Beatitude leads Liturgy in Feofania on Venerable Bonifatius feast day
The festive service at the Panteleimon Women’s Monastery took place on the day of commemoration of the Feofania ascetic and gathered hierarchs and clergy of the UOC.
MinCulture to hold scientific conference on history of humanities at Lavra
The event, focusing on the development of humanities research, will take place on January 15–16, bringing together scholars and museum professionals.
Luna: Ukrainian officials involved in church seizures to be held accountable
In an exclusive comment to the UOJ, Anna Paulina Luna promised to hold accountable the Ukrainian officials involved in the seizure of UOC churches.
State Film Agency bans Ukrainian film "Prayer for Hetman Mazepa"
The film by renowned director Yuriy Illienko about Mazepa was banned due to the participation of an actor from the Russian Federation.