Ministry of Culture: Further destiny of Lavras is in the hands of the state

Director of the Department for Religious Affairs and Nationalities of the Ministry of Culture Andrei Yurash

Director of the Department of Religious Affairs and Nationalities of the Ministry of Culture Andrei Yurash declared in an interview with Glavkom that such assets of national importance belong to the state and are not transferred to anyone, reports the Information and Education Department of the UOC.

According to the official, the lower parts of the Kiev-Pechersk and Pochaev Lavras were let out to the UOC for rent for a 50 year-term.

“Lavras are state-owned <...> The state provided a lease, and it is the prerogative of state bodies to determine their future fate,” said Andrei Yurash and stressed that if violations were revealed in the sanctities’ transfer procedure, this could be a reason for revising the contract lease.

Earlier on the website of the Cabinet of Ministers a petition was registered demanding to cancel the order of the Cabinet of Ministers on the transfer to the UOC of the Holy Assumption Kiev-Pechersk Lavra for gratuitous use. The Abbot of Pochaev Lavra, Metropolitan Vladimir of Pochaev, informed about the threats against the monastery and asked for prayer support, calling, if necessary, to protect the shrine.

Read also

In Ukraine, Trump’s 'spiritual advisor' reassured of religious freedom

Pastor Mark Burns stated that Ukraine, despite the war, is a "beacon of religious freedom."

Lavra brethren congratulate Metropolitan Pavel on 31 years as abbot

The monks of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra have expressed hope that they will soon be able to pray again with their abbot.

Amsterdam: Intrusion into Lavra Caves – a return to Soviet-era persecution

International lawyer Robert Amsterdam has condemned the actions of Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture regarding the inspection of holy relics in the Caves of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, calling it a violation of religious freedom.

Over 20 EU states condemn Hungary for ban on LGBT propaganda among children

“This restricts the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression,” diplomats state in a joint declaration.

His Beatitude officiates consecration of Bishop of Rakhiv

At the Church of St. Agapitus in the Lavra, the Primate of the UOC ordained a vicar for the Khust Eparchy.

Met Victor: It is painful to see Lavra's relics turned into test subjects

According to the bishop, there is particular concern over how members of the scientific commission will handle the holy relics.