Hierarch of the Jerusalem Patriarchate commented on the desecration of relics in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra

Exarch of the Jerusalem Patriarchate in Cyprus, Metropolitan Timofey of Vostry, commented on the actions of the staff of the National Reserve “Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra” regarding the relics of the Venerable Fathers of the Pechersk Lavra. According to him, manipulations with the relics constitute sacrilege and are comparable to the crimes of the godless Soviet regime. The hierarch emphasized that such actions deal a severe blow to the spiritual conscience of the faithful. This was reported by UOJ.

The Metropolitan noted that Ukrainian state officials no longer limit themselves to seizing churches and obstructing religious services. Today, in his view, actions are being taken against the piety of all Orthodox Christians through the desecration of holy relics, which offends the memory and honor of God’s saints.

According to the hierarch, manipulations by museum staff with the relics of the Venerable Fathers of the Pechersk Lavra are sacrilegious and revive memories of Church persecution during the godless Soviet era. He stressed that such actions by state institutions under the guise of “cultural management” of shrines violate the freedom of worship and the right to religion of the majority of believers.

Metropolitan Timofey appealed to the international community, human rights organizations, and people of goodwill to intervene and put an end to the sacrilege. The hierarch emphasized that peace between peoples is possible only with respect for freedom of conscience, religious traditions, truth, and justice.

It is also recalled that the acting director of the National Reserve “Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra,” Svitlana Kotlyarevska, believes that to increase the number of visitors to the Lavra, it is necessary to develop hospitality infrastructure: open cafes, souvenir shops, ensure the sale of ice cream, and even create a special brand of “Lavra coffee.”

---