In the program "Time: Online" on Channel 5, host Maria Skibinska and Metropolitan of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, spokesman of the OCU Yevstratiy (Zorya), discussed the issue of expelling the UOC-MP from the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. In particular, they talked about the likelihood of the theft of sacred artifacts by the UOC-MP.
Source: Channel 5
"Relics that historically belonged to the Lavra, which were not destroyed and looted during the Bolshevik era - when these relics were transferred along with part of the complex of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, they remained on the state's books as part of the national reserve. Therefore, the stage that should be taking place now (but is not happening) is the acceptance by the commission (Ministry of Culture - ed.) of the premises, objects, and property transferred earlier under a contract of use (by the UOC-MP - ed.). The contract has expired, so this property, objects, and relics must be accepted by the commission - and their preservation noted," explained Yevstratiy (Zorya).
He noted that police posts have been set up at the exits from the Lavra, whose task is to control what the "servants of Gundyaev" are taking out.
Around the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, law enforcement officers have set up checkpoints at the exits, and they are checking what is being taken out. If the items are personal belongings of the former residents, they are allowed to pass through. However, if they find any religious items, experts from the reserve are called upon to determine whether they can be taken out as personal items or whether they belong to the reserve's collection," said the spokesperson for the Orthodox Church of Ukraine.
"We hope that no holy relics are being taken out," he emphasized. Metropolitan Yevstratiy (Zorya) commented on rumors that some sacred artifacts may have been replaced with copies and the originals taken out on the instruction of Metropolitan Pavlo (Lebid).
"If indeed some items were moved from the Lavra's premises beyond its borders, they must be returned, and those responsible must be held accountable," said Metropolitan Yevstratiy.