While Reserve cuts locks on churches, Dumenko "serves" in Lavra's Far Caves
Dumenko in the Far Caves of the Lavra. Photo: OCU
On February 17, 2026, while employees of the National Reserve were conducting work to open the churches of the Lower Lavra, the head of the OCU Epifaniy Dumenko performed a "liturgy" in the underground Church of the Nativity of Christ in the Far Caves of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. This was reported on the structure's website.
The "service," as stated, was timed to coincide with the day of remembrance of Saint Theodore the Silent, whose relics rest in these Caves.
According to the published information, Epifaniy was concelebrated by "Archbishop" Volodymyr of Zhytomyr and Polissya, "abbot" bishop Avramiy, the monastery brotherhood, and invited clergy.
As the UOJ wrote, on the same day Reserve employees cut locks on two churches of the Lower Lavra. This concerns the Exaltation of the Cross and Warm Churches, to which the monastery brotherhood previously maintained access.
As a result of the actions taken, the monks' access to the shrines was effectively blocked.
Read also
Kosovo to enact law restricting Serbian Church, experts say
Analysts warn that the new "Law on Foreigners" in Kosovo could restrict the presence of clergy, believers' access to shrines, and increase pressure on the Serbian community.
Congress Speaker: Demand to introduce Sharia law in USA is a serious problem
The Speaker of the House of Representatives stated that there is growing concern in society about attempts to impose Islamic law, which is incompatible with the American Constitution.
UK government introduces restrictions on "anti-Muslim hostility"
UK authorities have adopted a new definition of "Islamophobia" which, according to experts, could provide Muslims with special protection and restrict freedom of speech.
Dumenko brings icon in Church Slavonic to Ministry of Health
Epifaniy presented cardiologists with an Intercession icon, with inscriptions in Church Slavonic, which his structure calls a "sign of the Moscow tradition".
ISIS supporters carries out terrorist attack at anti-Islamic protest in NY
Near the home of New York's Muslim mayor, radicals threw two makeshift bombs at protesters during an anti-Islamic rally.
Hryshchuk: If UOC hands over its church itself, angle grinders aren't needed
An OCU chaplain called on UOC believers to accept the loss of the shrine for the sake of their own "enlightenment".