Activist about Mercury of Caves: Out to Smolensk from our Ukrainian Lavra!
An OCU activist in the Near Caves of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. Photo: spzh.news
On 24 August 2023, an excursion for war veterans and parishioners of the OCU was organised in the Near Caves of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, reports one of the eyewitnesses of the excursion.
The participants were brought to the Lower Lavra by minibus.
One of the activists called on the authorities to remove the relics of St Mercurius of the Caves from the "Ukrainian Lavra" to Smolensk, as that is where, she said, "he belongs".
"Did he come here from Smolensk? Let him lie there in Smolensk. Why do we need him in the Ukrainian Lavra?" the woman asked in astonishment.
"As for the excursion. It was conducted for them by representatives of the Reserve. The excursion was very superficial. They did not tell the excursionists about the lives of the saints. They only said that some of the saints had their hands or feet visible," the source said.
He also noted that none of the visitors to the caves venerated the relics.
As reported, the Reserve has banned access to the Lower Lavra for everyone except monks.
Read also
In Madrid, thousands of people march against abortion and euthanasia
Annual march "Sí a la Vida" ("Yes to Life") took place in Spain.
Rivne Eparchy hosts Orthodox youth congress "Unity Cup"
Orthodox youth of the Dubno region gathered for joint prayer, fellowship and spiritual strengthening.
Vučić on pilgrimage to Belt of Theotokos in Belgrade: I am proud of such Serbia
The President of Serbia noted the atmosphere of peace and reverence for the shrine in the Saint Sava Cathedral.
New church laid on site of burned 17th-century church in Ivashkovytsia
In the Zakarpattia region, the clergy consecrated the foundation of a new church that will replace the 1658 St. Michael Church, which was destroyed in a fire.
UCCRO calls on the West to step up military support for Ukraine
Religious leaders said that active support is the only way to stop aggression and prevent the spread of war around the world.
UOC bishop offers condolences to families of victims killed in Dnipro strike
Metropolitan Irynei called on clergy and laity to offer special prayers for all victims of the attack that took place on the night of June 2.