Hierarch of the UOC expressed regret over the events around Kiev-Pechersk Lavra

The hierarch of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Victor of Khmelnytsky and Starokonstantinovka, expressed regret over the events surrounding the Holy Dormition Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. The bishop drew special attention to the recent blasphemous actions of representatives of the Ministry of Culture, who seized the Near and Far Caves of the monastery for the purpose of “scientific” research of the relics of the Kyiv Cave Saints. The Metropolitan’s words are reported by the press service of the Khmelnytsky Diocese of the UOC.

“The times have come when this human flow to our shrine has stopped. Now, unfortunately, it is impossible to just go to the caves and pray to the holy saints of God, it is impossible to feel the heaven on earth, which John the Listener wrote about and which the saints of the Caves obtained through their heroism and prayers. Today, the relics of the Pechersk saints, which are the greatest shrine for us, venerated by Orthodox people in many countries and on all continents, are going to be studied from the point of view of their scientific and historical value. For this purpose, a commission was created, which included biologists, embryologists, and even veterinarians,” – the Metropolitan noted.

The hierarch added that the monks of the Kyiv Cave Monastery allowed themselves to touch the relics of saints only twice a year when they performed a special reclamation procedure. However, the monks did so with the fear of God and constant prayer on their lips. He believes that the “scientific” approach to the relics of the Kyiv Cave Monks, which will be used by representatives of the Ministry of Culture, is an offense and a manifestation of disrespect for the shrines.

“Twice a year, the brethren of the Kyiv Cave Monastery re-dressed the holy relics. The monks did this with constant prayer on their lips, reverently touching the relics of the ascetics. According to the Church’s teaching, the Grace of the Holy Spirit, which is received by the saints of God, sanctifies not only their souls but also their bodies, and does not leave them even after bodily death. How will the scholars who are part of the commission for the “inventory of saints” treat the relics? Will they touch them with prayer? Will they believe in their holiness? How will they determine for themselves the “scientific value” of holy relics? All of these questions resonate with pain and sadness in the heart of every Christian believer. We are all suffering now, watching how our world-famous shrine, the relics of the Kyiv Cave Saints, may be desecrated!”, – the bishop added.