The Ministry of Culture has authorized the OCU to hold prayer services in the Near Caves of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra

The Ministry of Culture of Ukraine has authorized the OCU to hold prayer services in the Near Caves of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. The first religious service, led by “Vicar” Avraam Lotysh, took place on June 4, 2026. The OCU is now permitted to hold prayer services once a week, every Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., by appointment only and accompanied by OCU representatives. This was reported on the ministry’s Facebook page.

The National Reserve noted that the opportunity to hold religious events arose thanks to cooperation between the Ministry of Culture, the museum administration, and the OCU itself. It is worth noting that access to the Near Caves for prayer is restricted: groups of pilgrims are organized by the OCU, and entry is permitted only when accompanied by representatives of that organization.

As a reminder, on May 12, 2026, employees of the National Reserve forcibly seized the Annunciation Church at the Far Caves of the Lower Lavra, having previously cut off the locks. The museum administration took these actions despite the absence of final court rulings regarding the right to use the monastery buildings.