Zelenskyy: We will not let Russia steal any valuables from our Lavras
Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Photo: screenshot of Zelenskyy's YouTube channel
On March 12, 2023, Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that he would not allow Russia to steal any valuables from the Ukrainian Lavra. The President of Ukraine said this in an evening address posted on his official YouTube channel.
“There is a movement this week to strengthen our spiritual independence. Society sees it. And I see the Ukrainians’ approval of these steps of ours – quite legal,” Zelenskyy said, apparently referring to the decision of the Ministry of Culture to expel the UOC from the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.
The President promised to continue “this movement”: “We will not allow a terrorist state to have at least some opportunity to manipulate the spirituality of our people, destroy Ukrainian shrines – our Lavras – or steal any valuables from them.”
Zelenskyy is sure that such actions of the state will help win the war and maintain unity.
“We can win. We can! If we protect our unity, each other and our state. I thank everyone who cares about Ukraine and Ukrainians! I thank everyone who cares about our unity – and the unity of the world for the sake of Ukraine!” the head of state noted.
Earlier, Zelenskyy said that the Ukrainian would no longer be alienated in the Lavra.
Read also
Khust Eparchy honors memory of St. Job of Uholka
A Liturgy is served in Mala Uholka, a birthplace of St. Job of Uholka, on the saint's feast day.
UOC parish in Cologne donates ultrasound machine to Kharkiv region hospital
In Cologne, UOC believers raised funds for an ultrasound machine for the Kehychivka district hospital in the Kharkiv region.
Shevchuk tells Pope Leo of Ukraine's preparations for "another harsh winter"
The head of the UGCC expressed "special gratitude" to the Pope for his phone calls with Putin and Zelensky.
Berlin hierarch comments on Phanar document published by UOJ-USA
Metropolitan Mark called the information about the 2018 "Unification Council" alarming if confirmed, and expressed hope that Patriarch Bartholomew will reconsider his position.
UOC marks Synaxis of All Saints of Volyn Land at Lutsk cathedral
Metropolitan Serhiy of Ternopil and Kremenets led the Liturgy on the feast day of the Lutsk cathedral of All Saints of the Volyn Land.
SBU detains OCU cleric who organized draft evader's escape for money
In Transcarpathia, law enforcement officers detained a clergyman of the OCU who arranged for a draft evader to be smuggled into Slovakia for $15,000.