SBU reports suspicion to abbot of Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra

Metropolitan Pavel of Vyshhorod. Photo: a screenshot from the YouTube channel of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra

On April 1, 2023, 20 members of the Security Service of Ukraine came to Metropolitan Pavel (Lebed), the abbot of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra and handed him a suspicion.

According to the UOJ correspondent, they want to place Bishop Pavel under house arrest.

His subdeacons were expelled from the Metropolitan's chambers, and no one is allowed inside.

At 12:00, SBU officers are planning to interrogate the abbot of the Lavra.

As Metropolitan of Nizhyn and Priluky Clement told the UOJ, the SBU handed Metropolitan Pavel a suspicion under two articles of the Criminal Code at once: 161 (inciting inter-religious hatred) and 436 (justifying Russia's armed aggression). The head of the UOC Information and Education Department urges not to spread the speculation that has already been received by the media.

Metropolitan Pavel of Vyshhorod and Chornobyl warned the Кeserve against attempts to evict the monks without trial.

The UOJ is broadcasting the developments from the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra on its Telegram channel.

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.