Greek press: Holy relics desecrated in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra
Greek media publish reports of sacrilege in the Lavra. Photo: UOJ
On September 26, 2025, the Greek print publication Ορθόδοξος Τύπος released an article on the desecration of holy relics in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, based on reports from the Union of Orthodox Journalists.
According to the Greek outlet, on March 5, 2025, Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture created a commission of biologists, anatomists, and even veterinarians to “examine” the incorrupt relics of more than 120 saints in the caves of the ancient monastery.
On March 28, representatives of the ministry and police took control of the caves, barring the monks – who for a thousand years had faithfully cared for the relics of the venerable fathers – from access to the shrines. The Greek outlet cites shocking details: the relics were removed from reliquaries, placed in auxiliary rooms, and by late August had been relegated to a utility closet beneath a staircase.
The same commission of biologists, anatomists, and veterinarians reportedly carried out dubious “examinations” on the relics.
Greek Orthodox believers express particular alarm over the international silence surrounding these events. Ορθόδοξος Τύπος, citing theologian Anastasios Gotsopoulos, writes: “The silence of the entire Orthodox world regarding the persecution of the UOC has emboldened the Ukrainian authorities.”
Monks of Mount Athos, according to the Greek newspaper, compared the current situation to “the actions and days of the Soviet atheist authorities,” asking pointedly: “Would it be acceptable for the Vatican if the Italian authorities undertook something similar with the relics of the holy apostles Peter and Andrew the First-Called?”
The publication of this Greek Orthodox newspaper highlights the international resonance of the events in the Ukrainian Lavra. The Greek press stresses that the situation concerns the entire Orthodox world, not only the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that one of the UOC hierarchs criticized the clergy for their silence about the sacrilege taking place in the Lavra.
Read also
The Holy Dormition Svyatogorsk Lavra Honored the Memory of Venerable John the Recluse
At the Svyatogorsk Lavra, on the feast day of one of the monastery's most venerated saints, the faithful venerated his relics, while the brotherhood celebrated a festal Divine Liturgy.
Zelenskys Prayed at an Interfaith Prayer Service at Saint Sophia of Kyiv
On Ukrainian Independence Day, a joint prayer service was held at Saint Sophia of Kyiv with the participation of authorities and representatives of various religious denominations.
US pastor condemns authorities for favoring Sharia law
Pastor Lorenzo Sewell accused Dearborn city officials of patronizing Sharia law by allowing Islamists to act with impunity.
Metropolitan Onuphry chairs KDAiS Academic Council ahead of new school year
The council approved scholarships, faculty appointments, and preparations for a conference marking the 430th anniversary of St. Peter Mohyla’s birth.
UOC eparchies provide aid to children and displaced families
UOC faithful provided school supplies for children, organized charity events, and distributed aid to hundreds of displaced families.
Teen shoots student dead at Jesuit school in Philippines
A teenager opened fire at a Catholic educational institution in the Philippines, killing a 15-year-old student before taking his own life.