Ministry of Culture commission comes to the Lavra to seal buildings

Commission of the Ministry of Culture in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. Photo: t.me/miryany

On July 4, 2023, a commission of the Ministry of Culture for sealing the monastery buildings began its work in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, headed by the Acting General Director of the Reserve Maxym Ostapenko. This is reported by the UOJ correspondent.

As of 11:00, representatives of the Ministry of Culture were still unable to gain access to any of the buildings due to believers who had blocked access to the premises.

In particular, members of the commission tried to seal Building No. 69, which houses the cells of the Lavra's Inn but failed do this because of the entrance blocked by parishioners of the UOC.

After that, the commission went to Building No. 45 with brethren cells in the Near Caves.

The commission is accompanied by "activists" who regularly hold actions near the Lower Lavra against the parishioners and clergy of the Church.

Law enforcement officers are on duty around the entire perimeter of the monastery, as well as Lavra lawyers and representatives of the Reserve.

As reported by the UOJ, the Ministry of Culture threatened to seal five buildings of the Lower Lavra.

Read also

Wonderworking Hawaiian Iveron Icon Makes Historic First Visit to Japan

The wonderworking Hawaiian Iveron Icon made its first-ever pilgrimage to Japan, drawing hundreds of faithful to Tokyo and Kyoto for prayer, veneration, and a historic celebration of Orthodox unity.

Abducted Ukrainian Deacon Dies During Military Training

Abducted and conscripted Ukrainian deacon Orest Cherny, 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.