Ministry of Culture officials re-enter Lavra's Near Caves
Ministry commission entering the Near Caves of the Lavra. Photo: UOJ
On April 1, 2025, several individuals entered the Near Caves of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. Corresponding photos were obtained by UOJ. One of the individuals was carrying a lighting device mounted on a tripod.
As a reminder, on March 28, members of the Ministry of Culture’s commission on determining the “presence of relics” – accompanied by police – broke the locks on the doors to the Near and Far Caves and replaced them with their own. Based on this, it can be assumed that those who entered the Near Caves on April 1 were commission members returning to continue their work of assessing the “scientific and historical value” of the relics of the Venerable Fathers of the Caves. The commission reportedly includes biologists, veterinarians, embryologists, and embalming specialists.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that Metropolitan Theodosiy commented on the commission’s activities in the Lavra. A Greek theologian also appealed to Church primates regarding the desecration in the Lavra.
Read also
Orthodox and Catholic bishops make joint visit to Mount Athos
The head of the Phanar blessed a joint pilgrimage to Mount Athos by Roman Catholic and Orthodox bishops.
UOC Kryvyi Rih Eparchy marks 30th anniversary
Metropolitan Yefrem led the anniversary Divine Liturgy in Kryvyi Rih.
Ostapenko: Everyone in UCCRO feels fine except the “FSB UOC”
The director of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra National Reserve called the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches “a wonderful organization.”
Khmelnytskyi Eparchy donates funds for treatment of 12-year-old girl
UOC believers raised UAH 20,000 for Anastasiia Mamchur as part of an eparchial charity campaign.
Shevchuk: We had to convince world UOC ban does not violate religious freedom
The UGCC head claims that by banning the UOC, the state is not violating religious freedom but merely protecting the Church’s faithful from Moscow propaganda.
Lavra reserve head estimates damage to Dormition Cathedral at €15 million
Maksym Ostapenko said restoring the Dormition Cathedral would take at least a couple of years and require major funding.