Dumenko assigns positions among Lavra "brethren"

Dumenko with the Lavra "brethren." Photo: OCU Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra on Facebook

The head of the OCU Epifaniy Dumenko distributed administrative positions among persons who call themselves the "brethren" of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. On July 30, 2026, at the residence at St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery, he presented the corresponding orders to the clergy of his structure.

Dumenko appointed "Archimandrite" Makariy (Papish) as warden of the Far Caves, and "Archimandrite" Innokentiy (Prokurat) as the monastery's spiritual father and warden of the Near Caves. According to the head of the OCU, financial and administrative affairs at the seized Lavra will be handled by “Archimandrite” Mykhailo (Karnaukh), who was appointed treasurer, and "Hegumen" Nikon (Pysaniuk), who will serve as steward.

Dumenko also assigned monastic duties to "Hegumen" Yevfimiy (Fursenko) as dean of the churches of the Upper Lavra, "Hegumen" Vasyl (Boichuk) as cellarer, and "Hierodeacon" Spiridon (Palahnin) as sacristan. During the meeting, the head of the OCU discussed with his appointees the monastery’s “activities” and its "spiritual life."

As the UOJ reported, the OCU Synod removed Lotysh from the post of the Lavra's "abbot", leaving him only in the role of assistant to Dumenko. The decision was explained by the need to pay "special attention" to the monastery’s activities. The new appointments thus underscore Dumenko’s direct control over the administrative life of the seized shrine.

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