Dumenko: OCU will seek transfer of Kyiv-Pechersk and Pochayiv Lavras

Sergey (Epiphany) Dumenko. Photo: svoboda.org

On December 24, 2020, the head of the OCU, Epiphany Dumenko, said that his structure would seek to transfer the Pochayiv and Kyiv Pechersk Lavras to its disposal. Dumenko announced this on his Facebook page.

According to the head of the OCU, “the shrines of the Ukrainian people, such as the Pochayiv and Kyiv-Pechersk Lavras, are under the control of those who have their own ruling center in the aggressor country,” and “it depends on the state whether to transfer them to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine or not."

Dumenko assures that his structure, which has seized more than 120 churches from the canonical Church, does not want enmity and confrontation, but “only justice and peace,” and sooner or later the issue of transferring the Lavras to the OCU “must be resolved peacefully”.

The head of the newly created organization noted that "we, as a Church, are taking all of the necessary steps to ensure that this does not go into oblivion."

Earlier, the UOJ wrote that the "honorary patriarch" of the OCU Filaret Denisenko advised on how to take away the Lavras from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

Read also

Antiochian Archdiocese to Celebrate Sunday of All Saints of Antioch With Patriarchate of Antioch for First Time

The feast, established in 2023, highlights the enduring witness and legacy of the Church of Antioch.

Church of Cyprus Defrocks Priest Amid Mounting Ecclesiastical Tensions

Fr. Dimos Serkelidis removed from clerical office following Synodal Court decision; controversy grows over internal Church governance

OCU Holds Service in Seized Cherkasy Church—But Nobody Came

Photos reveal nearly deserted worship in St. Andrew’s Church after its seizure from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC)

Romanian Orthodox Hierarchs Propose Five Women for Canonization

Canonization effort highlights upcoming Commemorative Year of Holy Women in 2026.

St. Olga of Alaska Officially Glorified in Her Hometown of Kwethluk

First North American female saint honored in historic vigil attended by hundreds of pilgrims and hierarchs.

Pro-Constantinople Outlet Reports on Violent Cathedral Seizure in Chernivtsi

An article from the Orthodox Times highlights rising attacks against UOC faithful and clergy amid escalating church property disputes.