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.

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