MP speaks of “non-public process” of enticing Lavra monks to OCU

MP Nikita Poturaev. Photo: znaj.ua

Verkhovna Rada deputy from the “Servant of the People” party, the head of the parliamentary Committee for Humanitarian and Information Policy Nikita Poturaev admitted that the authorities use non-public mechanisms of influence on the monastics of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra to persuade them to join the OCU. He said this in a comment to espreso.tv.

“There is a very difficult process going on there, not all of it is public, and there are certain aspects of this process that publicity can harm,” the MP said. “Did anyone imagine two weeks ago that one of the leaders of the Lavra from the UOC-MP would transfer to the OCU and publicly call on the monastic brethren to transfer to the OCU and thus remain in the Lavra? Nobody expected this. If this had been publicized beforehand, it might have hurt the process a little."

As reported, on March 29, 2023, Epifaniy Dumenko appointed the former sacristan of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, Archimandrite Abramius, who defected to the OCU, "acting abbot" of the monastery.

Read also

Greek authorities to close illegal mosques in Athens

A large-scale inspection of religious sites has begun in Athens, during which authorities intend to close around 60 mosques operating without permits

Polish Church discusses prospects for Orthodox religious classes in schools

In Warsaw, representatives of the Polish Orthodox Church and the Ministry of National Education examined the future of Orthodox religious education in schools.

Bulgaria to allocate €1.5 million for road to Zograf Monastery on Mount Athos

The Bulgarian government will finance repairs to the road leading to Zograf Monastery on Mount Athos, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Kyiv–Pechersk Lavra brotherhood honors memory of Hieromartyr Volodymyr

Services were held at the Kyiv Lavra on the day of remembrance of St Volodymyr, Metropolitan of Kyiv and Halych.

Abp Elpidophoros: Ukraine will shape the future of inter-Orthodox relations

The head of the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s Archdiocese of America said that the outcome of the war in Ukraine will determine church relations among the Orthodox Churches.

Case opened against organizer of UOC believers’ cross procession in Bukovyna

Police drew up an administrative report against a believer of the Chernivtsi Eparchy who organized a prayer procession to the skete of Blessed Xenia of St Petersburg in the village of Molnytsia.