Ancient сross and Theotokos icon found in Volyn church that “joined” OCU

The Kazan Icon of the Mother of God (20th century) and a processional cross (19th century) from the bell tower of the village of Piatydni. Photo: Ivanna Bilishuk

On October 8, 2025, a 19th-century processional cross and a 20th-century Kazan Icon of the Mother of God were discovered in the bell tower of the Intercession Church in the village of Piatydni, Volyn region. The church had been declared as having “joined” the OCU. The discovery was reported to Suspilne by historian and employee of the Novovolynsk Historical Museum, Yuriy Velinets.

The church in Piatydni previously belonged to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church; however, in 2023 local authorities declared it “transferred” to the OCU. Parishioners of the UOC claimed that the transfer took place without their consent and was accompanied by pressure from activists. Despite this, the community continues to care for the church and preserve its historical relics.

According to the researcher, he visited the church at the invitation of the church warden, Leontiy Hlyniuk. During an inspection of the bell tower, Velinets found the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, beneath which X-ray imaging revealed an earlier painting – likely also a Kazan Icon, created in the late 19th century. “The icon is now in the Novovolynsk Historical Museum. We’ll be discussing with restorers and local residents whether it’s worth restoring the original image,” the historian said.

In addition, a 19th-century processional cross bearing the image of a double-headed eagle – the symbol of the Russian Empire – was also found in the bell tower. “This cross is yet another confirmation that the Russian Church had influence even in the western Ukrainian lands,” Velinets noted.

The cross remains on the bell tower for now, but its fate will be decided jointly by restorers and the local community. By mutual agreement, the relic may be transferred to the Novovolynsk Historical Museum for safekeeping.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that stolen royal gates from the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra would be exhibited in Britain.

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