Serbian Orthodox Priest Strongly Condemns the Inventory of Relics in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra

On March 28, 2025, the arrival of a commission to the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra for the «inventory and verification» of holy relics sparked sharp criticism among the clergy, particularly from Father Siniša Buvač of the Serbian Orthodox Church. He expressed deep outrage, emphasizing that these actions are politically motivated and have no religious basis. This information was reported by the Union of Orthodox Journalists.

The priest categorically denied claims that the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra is state property and opposed state interference in church matters. He stressed that the issue is not about legal rights to land but about sacred relics that hold spiritual significance for believers. Buvač noted that the state should not interfere in religious affairs, especially when it comes to holy sites that are part of spiritual heritage.

The clergyman compared the situation at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra to attacks on sacred sites of the Serbian Orthodox Church, particularly in Montenegro, the Republic of Srpska, and Kosovo. He also recalled the incident in Trebinje when an icon of the Holy Virgin, from which a blood tear flowed, was confiscated by the communist regime, and this phenomenon has never been scientifically explained.

Particularly painful for the priest is the situation with the Lavra, as he himself had once spent the night in its catacombs and considers the place a spiritual refuge. «This place has a holy atmosphere, and it cannot be desecrated,» he emphasized.

Father Siniša called on all believers, regardless of denomination, to respect the holy relics and prevent their desecration. «We are all Orthodox Christians, and holy relics should be protected from political influences,» he noted.

In conclusion, the priest urged prayers for the holy relics and the restoration of respect for religious sanctities. «You cannot play with relics and sacred items; desecration always leads to negative consequences,» he summed up.

Earlier, it was reported that the abbot of the Agia Skepi Monastery of the Sidirokastro Metropolis of the Church of Greece, Igumen Dositheos, spoke sharply about the church schism caused by the emergence of the OCU. In a conversation about the Jesus Prayer, he emphasized that prayer alone does not guarantee salvation — first and foremost, one must be Orthodox.