Head of Chernihiv UOC Cathedral: Ministry of Culture desecrated relics

People in balaclavas block the entrance to the Trinity Cathedral in Chernihiv. Photo: UOJ

The inspection in the Trinity Cathedral of the UOC in Chernihiv by the Ministry of Culture and the "Ancient Chernihiv" Reserve has been completed. The cathedral's abbot and secretary of the Chernihiv eparchy, Archpriest Ihor Pydan, described the actions of officials as desecration of the relics of St. Theodosius, St. Venerable Lawrence, and St. Philaret Gumilevsky.

He stated that there were no explanations or orders regarding the so-called "examination of relics", which was carried out under the protection of individuals in camouflage with automatic weapons.

"The religious community and the Church have never hindered the reserve or the Ministry of Culture commission. But today, they broke in, didn't let anyone in, and it was clear that they were doing something that we would not allow them to do," said the priest.

As reported by the UOJ, the inspection by the Ministry of Culture and the reserve began on the morning of December 14. Representatives of the "Ancient Chernihiv" Reserve, escorted by individuals in camouflage, entered the Trinity Cathedral of the UOC in Chernihiv and did not allow any clergy inside.

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.