Culture Ministry allows OCU to "serve" on 7 January at Dormition Cathedral
Epifaniy Dumenko was granted a one-time permission to "worship" at the Lavra’s Dormition Cathedral. Photo: gorthodox.com
On January 5, 2023, the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy authorized "Metropolitan" Epifaniy to hold a "Christmas service" at the Dormition Cathedral of the Kyiv Cave Lavra, and the Reserve "Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra" signed an agreement with the OCU to conduct a "service" on January 7 from 8:00 am to 12 noon, reports the BBC.
The head of the reserve Oleksandr Rudnyk said that he received a petition from the OCU and the order of the Ministry of Culture on the afternoon of January 5 and gave permission for the "service" in the Dormition Cathedral.
"That conversation in the video (when Rudnyk said he had not received a petition from the OCU – Ed.) took place in the morning yesterday. There was no order for worship at that time. But in the afternoon, I received a request from the OCU to hold a worship service and get permission from the Ministry of Culture. I gave permission and made an agreement for the divine service on January 7. I have all the documents now," Rudnyk said.
He added that it goes about a one-time lease of the church for a "worship service”.
According to the head of the reserve, law enforcement forces will ensure that the event takes place without incident.
As reported, the UOC suggests possible provocations from the OCU on Christmas Day.
Read also
Abducted Ukrainian Deacon Dies During Military Training
Abducted and conscripted Ukrainian deacon Orest Black, known for his devotion and sacred singing, tragically died at age 46 during military training, leaving a legacy of faith and humility.
Court Hearing on Expulsion of Monks from Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Postponed Again
A long-delayed monastery lawsuit against a sanctuary faces yet another indefinite postponement after the presiding judge went on sick leave.
OCA Clergy Gather for Winter Synaxis Focused on Renewal and Resilience
More than 100 OCA clergy gathered online for the Winter 2025 Synaxis to pray, learn, and reflect on sustaining pastoral ministry and avoiding burnout through renewal in Christ.
Trump Administration Moves to Ban Federally Funded Transgender Procedures for Minors
The Trump administration is moving to bar federally funded hospitals from performing transgender medical procedures on minors, citing evidence of harm and a duty to protect children.
Bp. Theodosius: Ukraine's Authorities Classify Icons as Works of Art and Relics as Mummies
ROCOR hierarch links current policies toward holy sites and clergy to Soviet-era repression, calls for prayer and respect for religious freedom.
Society of St. John's Day of Action Gives Hope Persecution of UOC May Subside, Analyst Says
Political scientist says congressional outreach and high-level U.S. statements signal possible shift in response to persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.