The Reserve closes the entrance to Lower Lavra

Reserve statement. Photo: Facebook

The reserve closes the entrance to the Lower Lavra for everyone except priests, monks and monastery workers, the statement posted on the reserve’s fb says.

This was done “due to the systemic obstruction of the work of the Reserve on access to the premises of the Lower Lavra in order to resolve certain issues.” The report says that "the territory of the Lower Lavra should be returned to the use of the state."

The entrance has been blocked since 7 am on August 11, 2023. The Ministry of Culture called it a "temporary" measure.

The text says that the church of Agapit of the Caves, Sergius of Radonezh, the Church of the Resurrection (Afghan), as well as the Refectory and Assumption churches of the Upper Lavra will be open for worship.

It should be noted that the first three churches are located outside the territory of the Lavra, while the Assumption and Refectory shrines are occupied by the OCU.

Earlier, the UOJ wrote that according to the lawyer of the Lavra, the reserve intends to expel the brethren from the monastery.

Read also

ROCOR Priest Reflects on Trip to Capitol Hill

Archpriest Victor Boldewskul participated in the Society of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco's Day of Action to raise awareness about the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

Hundreds of Chinese Christians Arrested in Pre-Christmas Crackdown

Hundreds of Chinese Christians face spending Christmas in detention after authorities launched a sweeping pre-holiday crackdown on churches under Beijing’s campaign to control religious life.

Ukraine Adviser: UOC Not Banned, but Offered a 'Choice' of Jurisdictions

A Ukrainian presidential adviser said the UOC is not banned but pressured to choose between joining the OCU, submitting to Constantinople, or remaining unregistered, while dismissing international concerns as propaganda.

Indiana Reports 98% Drop in Abortions Under Stricter Law

Indiana’s latest health report shows a 98% drop in reported abortions under stricter laws, though dozens still occurred under legal exceptions and concerns persist about unreported pill abortions.

Armenian Apostolic Church Pushes Back on Political Encroachment

The Armenian Apostolic Church plans to appeal to international bodies to resist government interference and defend its clergy and sacred relics.

Attempted Takeover at Armenian Etchmiadzin Cathedral Thwarted by Faithful

Supporters of Armenian PM Pashinyan attempted to storm Etchmiadzin Cathedral amid calls for the Catholicos’s resignation but were blocked by parishioners and security.