Father Superior of Pochaev Lavra commented on the claim to seize Lavra from the UOC (VIDEO)

Father Superior of the Pochaev Lavra of Holy Assumption Metropolitan Vladimir (Moroz) commented in his interview on the recent claim of Ternopol Regional Council to confiscate the Pochaev Lavra from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and turn the monastery into the state conservation area. It is reported by the UOJ correspondent.

Commenting on the events, Metropolitan Vladimir, father superior of the Pochaev Lavra, tells that clouds have been gathering around the monastery for over 2 years now: politicians, journalists, officials have been trying to defame the sanctity, disseminate fake information, intrude into the smooth life of the monastery. The metropolitan is sure, however, this situation lurks no threat to genuinely faithful minds. 

«The folks, being in elated spirits, hurry up to bend and kiss incorruptible relics, to ask of their intercession with God. As we were walking along the streets, we were favorably impressed by such a huge number of people who were participating in the Cross Procession which made us feel invigorated”, the father superior shares his impressions.

“The Ukrainian mass media sometimes highlight what is contrary to the reality, which is painful and disturbing for us to some extent – still there is such evidence. We are a part of the society and therefore, the experience of the Church and Orthodox people is our experience as well. A lot of facts prove our being somewhat despised”, states the Metropolitan. He warned those who have an ill vision of the Church they’d better change their standpoints in order not to lose their souls by committing acts similar to those of the XX century’s theomachists.   

Besides, the Lavra’s father superior told about a new Transfiguration Cathedral in which feast worships were held on the occasion of the commemoration of Saints Job and Amphilochius of Pochaev. According to him, the construction of the Cathedral commenced in 2010, yet the first Divine Liturgy and blessing of the water were conducted by the deceased Beatitude Metropolitan Vladimir (Sabodan) as soon as in 3 years after the beginning of construction works.  

“Since then we’ve held worship services on big holidays in the Cathedral. We are extremely happy because it can accommodate 2.5 times as much people as the Assumption Cathedral can. I believe if God helps us fulfill our plans and intentions, it’ll be one of the biggest mosaic churches of the world”, the Metropolitan assures.

Metropolitan Vladimir particularly underscored the Holy Mount will extend its hospitality to all those who wish to kneel sincerely and devotionally before icons and relics, and advised to visit the sanctity at least once a year in regular days when a more quiet and slow paced atmosphere offers a lot more possibilities for spiritual enrichment.

Read also