Lavra abbot tearfully thanks all those who prayed for his release

Metropolitan Pavel after his release from the pre-trial detention centre. Photo: a screenshot of Fr. Nikita Chekman’s Telegram channel

Metropolitan Pavel, after bailing him out, addressed with great excitement all those who raised money for him and prayed for his release. The video message of the bishop was published on the Lavra lawyer Fr Nikita Chekman's TG channel.

"I thank those people who posted bail, may the Lord send you good health and eternal salvation. Most importantly, brothers and sisters, keep the faith. Remain faithful to God, the Church and our earthly Homeland," the Metropolitan said.

Separately, the Vicar addressed the Lavra brethren.

"One thing I ask, be united in faith, love for the Church and the country," the abbot said. “We help our soldiers today with prayers. And to those who have already entered eternity, may the Lord grant forgiveness of sins. Because there is no greater love than to lay down your soul for your neighbours. They laid down their souls for us. And to our children, our soldiers, may the Lord send peace and prosperity".

The bishop said that in imprisonment he read the Patericon where the captured bishops, despite their reluctance, were bailed out by the people.
"Today it is repeated, in our time in the XXI century," said the Lavra abbot.

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