Ministry of Culture on how Assumption and Refectory temples to be accessed
Lavra's Assumption and Refectory churches. Photo: UOC
The Ministry of Culture on its website published a new procedure for access to the Assumption and Refectory churches of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra "when performing services, religious rites, ceremonies and processions."
“Now it is required to file an application to the Reserve from the leadership of religious centers (departments) in order to have access to the Assumption Cathedral / Refectory Church to hold religious ceremonies there. Applications from religious centers to perform a memorial service for the fallen defenders of Ukraine must be accompanied by relevant requests from the heads of the Ministry of Defense / Ministry of Internal Affairs / State Border Service / Security Service of Ukraine.
If it is possible to conduct the ceremony (meaning there are no technical, organizational, and other obstacles), the Reserve submits a request for permission to the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy. After receiving the answer from the Ministry, the Reserve informs the inquirer and, if agreed by the Ministry, concludes an agreement with the religious organization to provide access to the Assumption Cathedral / Refectory Church. Access to the ceremony is provided on the terms of the concluded agreement,” the statement specifies.
At the same time, the text of the Ministry of Culture does not say whether the clergy of the UOC can now hold services in these churches. In recent months, Avraamy Lotysh, the Lavra's “abbot” from the OCU, served every Sunday in the Assumption Cathedral, gathering 30-40 people for his “services”.
Earlier, the UOJ wrote that according to Tkachenko, the Ministry of Culture “is restoring normal life in the Lavra” without waiting for a court decision.
Read also
Myrrh-Bearers Bring Orthodoxy to Rural Virginia
Following the example of their heavenly patrons, the Holy Myrrh-Bearers, this community bring the myrrh of faith to all those around them.
Cherkasy Bishop Urges Pat. Bartholomew to Revoke Legalization of OCU
In an open letter to the Ecumenical Patriarch, Met. Theodosiy of Cherkasy and Kaniv stressed that simply withdrawing the Tomos is no longer sufficient under current circumstances.
Fr. Alex Karloutsos Elevated to Megas Protopresbyteros
The title, which means “grand archpriest,” means Karloutsos is now the first priest under the jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The announcement came before another surprise – his church was raised to the status of cathedral, and he is its dean.
Pat. Bartholomew Celebrates Divine Liturgy in the Hamptons
Following the liturgy, Fr. Alexander Karloutsos was raised to the rank of Megas Protopresbyteros and the Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church of the Hamptons was elevated to the status of Cathedral.
YouTube Deletes Channel of Greek UOJ
Greek branch of Union of Orthodox Journalists condemns move as censorship and an attempt to silence a voice defending Orthodoxy.
Texas Gov. Cracks Down on Abortion Pill
The legislation targets a “global abortion pill syndicate." Exemptions allow for legitimate medical uses, like treating ectopic pregnancies.