Met Victor: It is painful to see Lavra's relics turned into test subjects
According to the bishop, there is particular concern over how members of the scientific commission will handle the holy relics.
Metropolitan Victor of Khmelnytskyi has expressed deep concern over the situation surrounding the relics of the Kyiv-Pechersk saints, which are set to be examined by a commission from the Ministry of Culture. The commission reportedly includes biologists, embryologists, and even veterinarians, reports the press service of the Khmelnytskyi Eparchy.
“Today, the relics of the Pechersk saints – which for us are among the greatest sacred treasures, venerated by Orthodox Christians in many countries and on every continent – are to be examined in terms of their scientific and historical value,” the hierarch said with alarm.
He recalled the long-standing tradition of veneration for these holy relics, and how countless pilgrims used to visit the caves of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. “Now, sadly, it is no longer possible to simply enter the caves and pray to the saints who pleased God. It is no longer possible to feel that taste of heaven on earth, of which St. John Climacus wrote,” Metropolitan Victor noted.
What troubles the bishop most is how the scientific commission will treat the relics. “Twice a year, the brethren of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra would change the vestments of the relics. Monks did this with constant prayer on their lips, reverently touching the relics of the ascetics,” he said, reminding that according to Church teaching, the grace of the Holy Spirit sanctifies not only the souls of the saints but also their bodies, and this grace does not depart from them even after death.
“How will the scientists, who are now part of the commission for the ‘inventory of saints’ ,treat these relics? Will they touch them with prayer? Will they believe in their holiness?” Metropolitan Victor asked.
Despite the troubling situation, the bishop urged believers to follow the example of Christ’s disciples, who did not abandon their Teacher even in the most difficult moments. “For us, Orthodox Christian believers, the historical and scientific value of the incorrupt relics has already been proven by the holiness of their lives. Therefore, we will continue to pray to the saints of the Kyiv Caves, honor their memory, and strive – even if only in a small way – to emulate their spiritual feats,” the hierarch emphasized.
In closing, Metropolitan Victor appealed: “Our Venerable Fathers of the Kyiv Caves, pray to God for us!”
Earlier, the UOJ reported that a theologian from Greece had appealed to the primates of the Orthodox Churches over the sacrilege taking place at the Lavra.
