Authorities begin a “special operation” in the Lavra from 6 am

Police in the Lavra. Photo: UOJ

The Ministry of Culture, with the strong support of the police, began a “special operation” in the Lavra to seize buildings in the early morning of July 6, 2023, one of the parishioners said in a video posted on the pravoslavie telegram channel.

“Without any document, they broke into the territory of the Lavra. At 6 in the morning they (the police – Ed.) stood with machine guns at the entrance near the church of St. Agapit of Pechersk, so that even believers could not get to us,” said a Lavra parishioner, who has been here since yesterday.

Earlier, the UOJ wrote that the Ministry of Culture, with the help of the police, broke down the doors and took control of the residence of Metropolitan Onuphry in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.

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.