Liberation of Slobozhanshchyna: the military returned the stolen armchair of Metropolitan Sheptytskyi to Lviv
Kyiv • UNN
Ukrainian soldiers returned the stolen armchair of Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytskyi to Lviv. The relic, stolen in the 1980s, was found in Kharkiv region during the liberation of territories.
Ukrainian soldiers who participated in the liberation of the territories of Slobozhanshchyna returned to the Archcathedral of St. George in Lviv a stolen armchair of Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky - the head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC) in the first half of the XX century. This was reported by the Lviv Archdiocese of the UGCC, informs UNN.
Details
It is noted that this relic was considered lost for many years. It was found and returned thanks to the efforts of Ukrainian soldiers and clergy.
This was made possible, in particular, thanks to the efforts of our chaplain Yuriy, who served in the Third International Legion. Together with his brothers, he helped return the armchair of Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky. It should be emphasized that Chaplain Yuriy left for Barcelona five years ago, but with the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion, he returned to Ukraine and joined the ranks of defenders. He took part in the battles in Kharkiv, Sumy, and Kursk regions,
The UGCC clarified that during the liberation of the occupied territories of Kharkiv and Sumy regions, near Kursk region, the military found an antique armchair from a restorer, who told its story. In the 1980s, Metropolitan of the Russian Orthodox Church Nikodim Rusnak illegally took this relic from Lviv. In 1983, he became Archbishop, and from 1985 to 1989 – Metropolitan of Lviv. Before leaving the Metropolitan chambers, he took away many things, including this armchair.
Ukrainian soldiers brought the armchair from Kharkiv region (near Kursk region). Thanks to contacts with the legion and its Lieutenant Yuriy, this relic was returned to Ukraine. It needs restoration and restoration of lost details
The UGCC added that Metropolitan and Archbishop of Lviv Ihor confirmed the authenticity of the find and its connection with Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky. Now the clergy, together with historians and patrons, will decide on the restoration and fundraising. It is planned to transfer the armchair to the Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky Museum.
Let us remind you
In December 2024, an ancient Christian relic, which is considered the crown of thorns of Jesus, was returned to the Cathedral of Notre Dame. The relic will be available for public veneration every Friday until April 18, and then on the first Friday of each month.