Kyiv’s cave monasteries become flashpoint in struggle against Russia

Kyiv orders priests and monks to vacate holy site in struggle against Russia, deeming them stooges of Moscow. The Ukraine's Orthodox Church is still under Russian ecclesiastical and political control.

March 18, 2023 . 6:23 PM

1 min read

Kyiv orders priests and monks to vacate holy site, deeming them stooges of Moscow.
The Ukrainian Orthodox Church was until recently subordinate to the patriarchate in Moscow.
The Lavra has become a new battleground in Ukraine’s struggle to shake off Russian influence.
President Zelenskyy endorses the clear-out of the Lavra as a 'movement to strengthen our spiritual independence'.
UOC monks and priests vow to stay and fight the eviction in the courts.