UOC priest to MinCult: Leave the Lavra’s relics alone, don’t invite trouble
UOC's Archpriest Vasyl Balan sharply condemned the authorities’ actions in restricting access to the holy relics and compared the situation to practices in Catholic churches.
The dean of the Murovani Kurylivtsi deanery of the Mohyliv-Podilskyi Eparchy of the UOC, Archpriest Vasyl Balan, made a strong statement regarding the ongoing situation around access to the relics of saints in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. His address was published on the YouTube channel of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos Church. According to him, the actions of the Ministry of Culture and other state bodies amount to unacceptable interference in the religious life of Orthodox believers.
“Today we hear of the atrocities being committed in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra in relation to the relics,” stated Archpriest Vasyl Balan in his message to the faithful. “Relics are the remains of saints, which possess divine grace. These saints may have reposed, but they do not abandon us with their grace. Those who come to them in faith receive their help and intercession.”
The priest particularly emphasized that the veneration of relics is a widespread practice in the Christian world, drawing a direct comparison with Catholic tradition: “Even Roman Catholics, whose relics are kept behind bars or under tiles, still allow people access to them. But you deny access to us, Ukrainian believers, to our own sanctuaries!”
He accused the authorities of unlawfully seizing monastery property: “As you can see, these holy places are now in illegal possession... You villains took them from the monks just because there’s an architectural monument there. And who put that plaque there? The Communists! So now you revere the Communists? But the fact that there are monks there, that this is a place of prayer and monastery life – that you do not acknowledge? You’re taking it from them because the holy place burns you. Sadly, you are unbelievers.”
Archpriest Vasyl Balan reminded listeners that the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra was built in honor of the Dormition of the Theotokos and that during Ukraine’s independence, the monastic brotherhood, led by Abbot Metropolitan Pavel, restored many churches and buildings despite great challenges.
In conclusion, Father Vasyl urged believers to keep their faith in the face of trials and expressed hope that the Venerable Saints of the Kyiv Caves would protect the Lavra and all who pray there.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that a Greek theologian had appealed to the Primates of Churches over the sacrilege in the Lavra.
