Lavra abbot: I am tried for Church and faith
Metropolitan Pavel in the courtroom. Photo: UOJ
On 4 July 2023, after the verdict of Metropolitan Pavel's detention was announced in court, the Lavra abbot told the UOJ that he disagrees with the decision but accepts it as God's will.
"I do not agree with this decision. The judge showed that she is under pressure from people who are interested in this decision. But I accept it as God's will," the metropolitan said.
He added he had no money to pay bail.
"I want to address my mother today and tell her that she should not be ashamed of me, because I am being judged for Christ, for the Church, for the faith. It's okay, if the Lord has done it this way, then it is His holy will. I hold no grudges against anyone, I just put the prosecutor and investigators in the hands of God," said the Lavra abbot. But he was not allowed to finish. The police officer demanded that the metropolitan follow him to the place of detention.
As reported, the court put the Lavra abbot behind bars.
Read also
Politician criticizes OCU cleric for "special support" of TRC
Vitaliy Kupriy commented on a sermon by an OCU cleric, where the latter called draft evasion a sin and urged to "reason with" such people through denunciations.
Armenian Church to hold council in Austria despite government obstacles
The Episcopal Council of the Armenian Church will take place in St. Pölten, even though a number of bishops have been banned from leaving the country and several hierarchs remain in custody.
Moldovan Metropolis bishop and faithful blocked inside a church in Moldova
Police blocked access to a church in the village of Dereneu, where Archbishop Petru of the Moldovan Church and parishioners were inside.
Why Phanar recognized UAOC ordinations involving self-proclaimed bishop – historian
The Phanar compared the participation of impostor Chekalin in the UAOC ordinations to zero in mathematics: whether you multiply by zero or divide by zero, the result is still one.
Pashinyan compares Armenian Church clergy to Islamists
The Armenian prime minister said in an interview that radical political sermons are being delivered in Armenian churches.
Turkish and Greek leaders to discuss religious agenda with Pat. Bartholomew
The President of Turkey and the Prime Minister of Greece will hold a meeting and official dinner with Patriarch Bartholomew in Ankara.