Dumenko again allowed into Lavra's Near Caves
Dumenko in the Lavra's Near Caves. Photo: OCU
Epifaniy Dumenko was once again allowed into the Near Caves of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra on November 19, 2025. As reported by the OCU website, he conducted a "service" in the underground Church of Venerable Barlaam, the first abbot of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.
Along with him, "hierarchs" Nestor Pysyk and Avraamy Lotysh, some monastery brethren, and invited clerics of the structure participated in the event.
The event was timed to the commemoration day of Venerable Barlaam of Kyiv (according to the new style).
As reported by the UOJ, earlier, on September 12, 2025, the management of the Lavra Reserve allowed Epifaniy Dumenko and associates into the Near Caves of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, where he conducted a "moleben".
Read also
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.
DESS official says state should not govern the Church
A DESS official called for cooperation between the state and the Church for the benefit of citizens.