Dumenko opens Sunday school at Lavra residence of UOC Primate

Head of the OCU, Serhiy Dumenko, in the hall of the Lavra residence of His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry. Photo: pomisna.info

On 20 January 2024, the head of the OCU Serhiy Dumenko opened a Sunday school at the Lavra residence of the UOC Primate, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry, reports the OCU press service.

The organisation said that the school was opened in cooperation with the National Reserve "Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra".

In the footage published on Dumenko’s Instagram page, you can see signs and banners with the OCU’s logo, as well as photos showing the head of the OCU together with Avrahamiy Lotysh.
Addressing the audience, Dumenko noted the importance of "the establishment of a true local Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra".

Along with Dumenko, the opening ceremony was attended by the OCU-appointed vicar of the Lavra, Avrahamiy Lotysh, as well as Ukrainian businessman Vitaliy Dzhurinsky, who has been caught up in scandals involving the supply of armoured cars to Oschadbank.

In December 2023, Oschadbank signed an agreement with Dzhurinsky's company VD Unicommerce to purchase the vehicles for UAH 415.3 million. Dzhurinsky's company unexpectedly won the tender even though its bid was not the cheapest at the auction.

As reported, the court will consider the lawsuit of a UOC parishioner on the non-admission of believers to the 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.