Greek media reported the desecration of holy relics in the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra

The Greek edition “Ορθόδοξος τύπος” published a material about the facts of desecration of holy relics in the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, referring to the data of the Union of Orthodox Journalists. According to the press, a commission set up by the Ukrainian Ministry of Culture removed the relics from the cave and moved them to the back rooms, which caused sharp criticism in the Orthodox world, including the Holy Mount Athos.

According to the Telegram channel “SPJ”, citing a Greek newspaper, on March 5, 2025, the Ukrainian Ministry of Culture formed a special commission to “study” the imperishable relics of more than 120 saints. It is noted that the commission included biologists, anatomists and veterinarians.

According to the publication, on March 28 of the same year, representatives of the Ministry and the police took the caves under their control, depriving the monks of access to the relics, which they had been caring for for a thousand years. The Greek publication gives shocking details: the shrines were removed from the cave, and in late August they were found stored in a utility room under the stairs, where “research” was reportedly being conducted.

Of particular concern in Greek Orthodox circles is the international silence on the issue. “Ορθόδοξος τύπος” quotes theologian Anastasios Gotzopoulos, who believes that “the silence of the entire Orthodox world regarding the persecution of the UOC has encouraged the Ukrainian authorities.”

The monks of the Holy Mount Athos, according to the Greek publication, compared what is happening to “the doings and days of the Soviet atheist authorities.” They asked a rhetorical question emphasizing the unprecedentedness of the situation: “Would it be acceptable to the Vatican if the Italian authorities undertook something similar to study the relics of St. Peter and St. Andrew the Apostles?”

Recall, we recently reported that by order of the Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine, the Microbiological Laboratory of Sumy State University “ECOMEDCHEM” conducted “tests” with the relics of the Venerable Pechersk in the Far Caves of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra. Such information follows from the response to the lawyer’s request of Archpriest Nikita Chekman. He noted that the rest of the information about the actions of institutions in relation to the Lavra shrines, the agencies refused to provide.