New head of Lavra Reserve lets Dumenko into Near Caves
Dumenko in the Near Caves. Photo: OCU
On January 22, 2026, the reinstated director of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra National Preserve, Maksym Ostapenko, permitted Epifaniy Dumenko and his colleagues to hold a “liturgy” in the Near Caves of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.
Dumenko “served” in the underground church dedicated to Anthony of the Caves.
As a reminder, immediately after Ostapenko’s dismissal in May 2025, the OCU press service published a critical piece regarding his work as director. In that material, Dumenko’s team accused Ostapenko of aiding the activity of “structures of the Moscow Patriarchate.”
Read also
UOC priest’s home damaged in drone strike on Poltava
The home of Archpriest Kostiantyn Fisun, rector of St. Seraphim Church in Poltava, was damaged in a drone attack.
Kyiv Theological Schools begin enrollment for catechetical courses
The Kyiv Theological Academy has announced enrollment for the St. Peter Mohyla Catechetical Courses for laypeople.
Greek hierarch criticizes new school textbooks containing LGBT propaganda
Metropolitan Seraphim called on parents to monitor school lessons in order to protect their children.
Site blessed for new church construction in Oleksandriia Eparchy
On the feast day of St. Seraphim of Sarov, Metropolitan Boholep laid a foundation capsule for a new church.
World Council of Churches condemns confiscation of Evangelical church in Iran
Secretary General Jerry Pillay demanded the return of the St. Peter's Church compound to believers.
Poland repeals law recognizing same-sex unions concluded in EU
The court ruled that the registration of foreign same-sex unions contradicts the article of the Constitution defining marriage as a union of a man and a woman.