“The relics of the saints are not museum exhibits, but a source of God’s grace” — Odesa Diocese responds to Ministry of Culture's actions

The Odesa Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church has expressed sorrow and concern over the news that the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine is conducting a so-called «inspection» of the relics of saints in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. The statement was made by the diocesan press secretary, Archpriest Maksymian.

The priest compared the actions of the current authorities to those of the Soviet regime, which also carried out similar inspections of sacred sites in the past.

“This step wounds the hearts and souls of all believers in Ukraine — regardless of denomination. The relics of the saints are not museum exhibits. For Orthodox Christians, they are a source of God’s grace,” emphasized the priest.

Fr. Maksymian also drew attention to the composition of the commission assigned to inspect the relics: “We believers do not understand why a veterinarian is involved. These relics are only touched once a year — by monks, in prayer and fasting, to change their vestments,” he noted.

In his statement, he called on the faithful not to succumb to provocations or spread hostility, but instead to intensify their prayers and unite around the Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, the bishops, and local parishes.

“The holy fathers are perfectly capable of defending themselves. We must pray, trust in God, and forgive those who offend us. When the Lord sees this, He will not allow mockery or harm to come upon us,” the priest added.

As a reminder, Bishop Gideon (Kharon) of Makariv, formerly abbot of the Desiatynnyi Monastery in Kyiv, reported that the brotherhood of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra had refused to take part in the so-called «inventory» of relics stored in the Lavra’s caves.