Authorities once again allow Dumenko into Near Caves of Kyiv Lavra
Dumenko in the Near Caves of the Lavra. Photo: OCU
On December 19, 2025, Epifaniy Dumenko was once again allowed into the Near Caves of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra. According to the OCU website, he conducted a “divine service” in the underground church dedicated to the Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos into the Temple.
Along with him, the event was attended by the “hierarchs” Antoniy Firlei and Avraamiy Lotysh, a certain monastic brotherhood of the monastery, and invited clerics of the structure.
The event was timed to coincide with the feast day of Venerable Ilya of Murom (according to the new calendar).
As the UOJ previously reported, on November 19, the administration of the Lavra Reserve allowed Epifaniy Dumenko and his associates into the Near Caves of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, where he also conducted a “service.”
Read also
Met. Meletiy consecrates house of worship for UOC community in Dankivtsi
Members of the persecuted UOC Intercession parish in Dankivtsi have converted a house into a place for communal prayer and worship services.
OCU eparchy sells church center site to developer for housing
The OCU’s Volyn Eparchy sold land intended for a spiritual center to a private developer planning to build townhouses and residential buildings.
SBU names UOC priest’s wife a suspect in Cherkasy region
The SBU accused Matushka Kateryna Prykotenko of “spreading enemy propaganda” through correspondence with parishioners.
UGCC cleric calls Russian Orthodox literature dangerous for clergy
While examining the causes of divisions within the UGCC, Yustyn Boiko concluded that Russian Orthodox literature had influenced Greek Catholic clergy.
UOC will play major role in achieving peace, says Vadym Novynskyi
UOC Protodeacon Vadym Novynskyi believes the Church will help bring about reconciliation within Ukrainian society after the war ends.
Catholic media outraged by forcible conscription of Uniate cleric
The Vatican’s Apostolic Nunciature has demanded the return of a forcibly mobilized Greek Catholic cleric.