V.R. Legoyda: Actions of Ukrainian authorities aim at defiling Kiev-Pechersk Lavra shrines during Great Lent

DECR Communication Service, 29.03.2025.

On March 28, 2025, Ukrainian police officers and representatives of the reserve forcibly seized the Near and Far Caves of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra. Earlier, Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture established a commission to "examine the remains" of the saints. The commission will operate until May 30, with its members tasked to "assess the historical and scientific value of the relics of the Venerable Fathers of the Caves" and compile lists of items classified as cultural artifacts. According to RIA Novosti, the commission’s findings will be classified and granted "restricted access" status.

Vladimir Romanovich Legoyda, Chairman of the Synodal Department for Church's Relations with Society and Mass Media, commented on the situation in his Telegram channel:

"The actions of the Ukrainian authorities, aimed at demonstratively desecrating the holy sites of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra during Great Lent, speak volumes about the people behind them. These are fanatics who will stop at nothing in their attempts to destroy the Church and mock the faithful. But faith cannot be defeated—history has proven this time and again."

The Church representative expressed confidence that "the triumph of lawlessness and arbitrariness will eventually end, and all those responsible for such acts will answer before God and man."

"Western countries typically encourage such actions, granting atheists carte blanche to destroy the shared historical Orthodoxy of Russia and Ukraine. Still, one hopes that responsible politicians there will no longer wish to associate themselves with the persecution of believers," Legoyda concluded.

Source: Patriarchia.ru
Photo: Telegram channel "Pervy kozackyy"

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V.R. Legoyda: Actions of Ukrainian authorities aim at defiling Kiev-Pechersk Lavra shrines during Great Lent

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