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
In Radivilov, believers of the UOC held a traditional procession for peace
A prayer procession was accompanied by icons with relics of great Orthodox saints.
In Baltimore, hundreds of people gathered at a satanic event
More than 23,000 people have signed a petition against holding a satanic gathering in Baltimore.
In Germany, a Bishop of Constantinople Prayed with Catholics and Lutherans
The ecumenical concelebration concluded with the distribution of safety carabiners to all those present as a symbol of support and trust.
Foreign Christians Repented in the Knesset for Weak Assistance to Israel
Foreign Christians' repentance in the Israeli parliament has been criticized on social media.
HUR: Opinion polls prove religious rights are not violated in Ukraine
A representative of the intelligence service, Andrii Yusov, stated that society does not confirm any facts of religious persecution in the country.
Mass production of kosher bread launched in Bukovyna
Representatives of the Jewish community called the mass production of kosher bread at the regional level one of the few examples in Ukraine.