Sviatohirsk Lavra Skete Targeted in Theft and Vandalism
In Donetsk region, Ukraine, a skete of the Holy Dormition Sviatohirsk Lavra was targeted in a theft and act of vandalism during the night of 24–25 January 2026, resulting in the theft of bells and sacred objects from the religious site.
The assailants cut the gate chains, forced open doors, and entered the skete, reportedly arriving in a truck and operating as a group. Eight of the ten bells from the bell tower were stolen; the central bell’s clapper, weighing 1.3 tonnes, was removed and left behind, while other large bells were lowered and carried out. Inside the church, the robbers desecrated altar and took the Gospels, lamps, candlesticks, a crucifix, and a brass altar lectern. Some items were scattered or broken, and the collection box was forced open.
The theft was registered by the Main Directorate of the National Police in Donetsk region, and an investigation under the relevant section of the Ukrainian Criminal Code was opened. No suspects had been apprehended at the time of reporting.
Sources: svlavra.church.ua, SPZH, MEZHA
Image: Wikipedia
