Metropolitan Luka commented on the situation regarding the relics of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra

The recent events in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra have caused significant resonance among believers and clergy. Metropolitan Luka of Zaporizhzhia and Melitopol expressed his position on the matter, emphasizing historical parallels and the spiritual consequences of the authorities’ actions.

«Everyone who could and wanted to has already expressed their outrage at the blasphemy committed in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra by neo-Red Army communists. I have nothing to add to what our people have already said, so I will be brief. As always, Satan has devised nothing new except replaying old scenarios,» said the Metropolitan.

He drew attention to the historical aspect of the Church’s persecution and emphasized the immutability of God’s plan, regardless of human actions: «What has changed since the time when the Bolsheviks mocked the relics? Only one thing – the fate of the Bolsheviks themselves. The same will happen this time. God does not change, no matter how much people try to offend Him. The heavenly bliss in which the Kyiv-Pechersk ascetics abide will remain unchanged.»

Metropolitan Luka also expressed his sympathy for those involved in such actions, noting that their fate after death will be different: «Only the posthumous fate of the museum worker, veterinarian, anatomist, biologist, and other desecrators who took part in this godless spectacle will change. And I sincerely pity them. Therefore, in these days of Great Lent, it is better not to breathe anger and curses at them, but to sigh for them with regret. ‘Lord, forgive these unfortunate people, for they truly do not know what they are doing.’

Earlier, the hierarch of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Luka of Zaporizhzhia and Melitopol, commented on the intervention of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the affairs of other Local Churches. The archbishop noted that through such actions, the head of Phanar contributes to the division of the Orthodox world. He stated this during his report at the international conference «The Ecumenical Patriarchate as a Tool of Politics: The Destructive Activities of Patriarch Bartholomew,» which took place in Belgrade on March 26, 2025.