An official on OCU’s break into Met. Onuphry’s residence: "Is it sedition?"

A. Lotysh and deputy director of the reserve O. Ovchar. Photo: Koshovenko

The deputy director of the reserve Oleksandr Ovchar, persuading the believers to leave Building 58 of the Lavra, said that they could return here at any moment. The video was published by the Lavra Now telegram channel.

“In the meantime, will you let the OCU here?” one of the parishioners asked him.

“We don’t let anyone in here, we are a reserve,” Ovchar assured her.

She asked how, in this case, the “vicar of the OCU” Avraamiy Lotysh entered the Lavra residence of Metropolitan Onuphry in the 70th building. "What do you mean you do not let them in? You do,” a parishioner caught Ovchar saying a lie.

"Is this sedition?" the official asked her a counter question. He also said that because of people like her, "the reserve was forced to close the access of visitors to the territory of the Lower Lavra."

Earlier, the UOJ wrote that the web showed the “abbot” of the OCU enter the building of His Beatitude’s residence in the 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.