Liturgy Held at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra
On March 8, 2026, the Day of Remembrance of the Venerable Fathers of the Caves, Metropolitan Epiphanius led a liturgy in the Refectory Church of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. This feast, observed on the second Sunday of Great Lent, honors the saints who were monks of the Kyiv-Pechersk Monastery, the first ascetics of monasticism in Kyivan Rus' dating back to the 11th century. The tradition itself originates from the 17th century. The Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Eastern Orthodoxy's most significant monastic complexes.
During the service, Metropolitan Epiphanius emphasized the importance of remembering these venerable fathers, who each, in their own way, embodied asceticism, prayer, and holy silence in their communion with God.
'Gathered in the church dedicated to Saints Anthony and Theodosius of our Ukrainian Lavra, on this second Sunday of Great Lent, we solemnly glorify the memory of all the fathers of the Kyiv Caves. They each, in different ways but with equal merit, worthily and salvifically embodied in their own lives asceticism, prayer, and holy silence in communion with God.' – Metropolitan Epiphanius
Reopening of the Near Caves
In a significant related development, the Near Caves of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra were officially reopened to visitors on February 25, 2026, following a closure that had lasted since August 2023. This restored public access to a vital historical and cultural landmark.
Furthermore, on February 2, 2026, Ukraine's Ministry of Culture transferred two buildings located on the territory of the Lower Lavra for free use by the monastic community of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU). The National Reserve is currently preparing an agreement with the OCU to allow its representatives to reside at the sanctuary on a permanent basis.
The relics of saints resting in the Near and Far Caves of the Lavra are a crucial element of Ukraine's spiritual heritage. Honoring their memory continues traditions that have existed for centuries, recognizing the monks' contribution to the development of spirituality and culture.
- Some were strict in fasting,
- others excelled in vigil,
- some in prostrations;
- some fasted for one or two days at a time,
- others ate only bread and water,
- while others consumed boiled or raw greens.
Thus, the events of March 8, 2026, marked an important step in reviving the spiritual life at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra and reaffirmed the significance of its monks in Ukrainian culture.
This year has been pivotal for the Lavra, as the reopening of the Near Caves and the transfer of buildings to the monastic community signal a revitalization of activity for the Orthodox Church of Ukraine. By honoring the memory of the venerable fathers, Ukrainians are reconnecting with a history and spiritual legacy that plays a key role in shaping modern national identity. Such events are likely to foster the further development of cultural and religious life in Ukraine.