Kiev Pechersk Lavra: Orthodox Church of Ukraine takes over additional shrines

The Orthodox Church of Ukraine has taken responsibility for the so-called Near Caves of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra as of February 24, 2026, which has met with significant criticism. Representatives and observers see this not as a purely ecclesiastical step, but as a state-accompanied intervention that is understood as pressure on the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church. This was reported by Orthodox Times. It is emphasized that the Pechersk Lavra has been a spiritual center of the traditional monastic community for centuries. Measures that change or displace existing church structures are assessed as endangering religious freedom and the continuity of monastic life.

Critics also warn against the politicization of church issues in the context of the current conflict. Instead of administrative or unilateral decisions, there are calls for dialogue, respect for church tradition, and the protection of the rights of all Orthodox believers in order to avoid further tensions in the country's religious life.

Previously, UOJ reported that Maronite Patriarch Raï visited Bishop Genn in Münster.

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