Stolen church property from skete returned to Sviatohirsk Lavra

Police officers found the stolen items and brought them back to the monastery. Photo: Sviatohirsk Lavra

The Sviatohirsk Lavra reported that church property belonging to the skete dedicated to the icon of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow” had been returned. The items were stolen during the night of January 25, 2026.

A security guard discovered the theft that same morning – the doors had been forced open, and signs of a crime were recorded. The Lavra’s brethren and law enforcement were notified immediately.

A related topic was referenced: The Sviatohirsk Lavra spoke about the condition of the skete in Bohorodychne.

Representatives of the authorities arrived at the scene – the head of the Sviatohirsk City Military Administration, Volodymyr Rybalkin, and the senior district police officer of the city of Sviatohirsk, Ruslan Tsymbal. Law enforcement documented the fact of the theft and began investigative actions.

On January 27, police officers discovered a stash in the village of Bohorodychne. In a wooded area near the church, they found a trailer concealed with netting; inside were the stolen bells and church utensils. On January 28, the Lavra’s brotherhood were officially informed that the sacred items had been found.

On January 30, after all procedural steps were completed, the property was handed back to the monastery. That day, in the Dormition Cathedral of the Sviatohirsk Lavra, a thanksgiving moleben was served after the Divine Liturgy, with the sisters of the skete taking part.

The Lavra also expressed gratitude to the police officers for prompt and professional work, thanks to which the church sacred items were returned to the faithful.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that a group of criminals had robbed the Bohorodychne skete of the Sviatohirsk Lavra.

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