"It does not allow the Russian world": OCU spokesman explains why the organization cannot fully function in Kyiv Cave Monastery

OCU spokesperson Yevstratiy Zorya claims that the organization is actively raising the issue of resuming regular services in the Kyiv Cave Monastery and ensuring unimpeded access to its caves for pilgrims. However, according to Zorya, this step faces obstacles due to the continued influence of the «Russian world» in certain areas. He said this in an interview with the Pryamyy TV channel.

«The leadership of the Ukrainian Church is raising the issue of regular worship in the Kyiv Cave Monastery and access for pilgrims to pray in the caves of the monastery. This is important especially in this difficult time,» Zoria emphasized.

According to the OCU spokesman, the delays in this process are caused by the fact that the roots of the «Russian world» in some areas remain strong, and certain circles are unwilling to take decisive steps to finally free the shrine from outside influence. He noted that «many supporters of the Moscow jurisdiction, who actively supported it during the time of former President Yanukovych,» still maintain their rhetoric, calling for the avoidance of «provocations» and «confrontations.»

At the same time, despite these «obstacles,» Zoria is convinced that the movement to liberate the shrine is inevitable. Currently, the OCU services in the Lavra are held on a one-time basis, but their number is «growing.» The OCU insists that its believers should have the opportunity to pray on a regular basis in one of the main spiritual centers of Ukraine.

As we reported earlier, on December 6, 2025, the Office of the President of Ukraine held a «Military Prayer Breakfast», which became another political event organized within the walls of the Refectory Church of the Holy Dormition Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. The breakfast, which was chaired by Volodymyr Zelenskyy, was attended by representatives of the Ukrainian political establishment, elected military officials, and heads of certain religious organizations in Ukraine.