Ostapenko complains that few people go to "services" of OCU in the Lavra
OCU "service" in the Assumption Cathedral of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. Photo: spzh.media
Director of the National Reserve "Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra" Maksym Ostapenko complained that not many Ukrainians attend the services of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. He mentioned this in an interview with Ukrainske Radio.
According to him, the reserve got rid of traces of the monastery named after "Pasha Mercedes" in the Upper Lavra, after which the OCU, led by Avrahamiy Lotysh, started conducting services there.
"Unfortunately, not many Ukrainians have been able to restore their spiritual place in the Lavra yet, but with each passing month, their number is growing," he said.
Ostapenko also mentioned that the OCU is present in the Lower Lavra – in the 70th building, where Lotysh and other "monks" of his organization reside.
He noted that the rights of the believers of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) are not violated because "monks of the UOC who have not decided on their position continue to stay within the walls of the Lower Lavra and also conduct services there."
As reported by the UOJ, the Ministry of Culture closed the entrance to the Lower Lavra for believers, teachers, and students of the Kyiv Theological Academy and Seminary (KDAiS).
Read also
In the USA, support for LGBT has significantly decreased – poll
Gallup recorded a decline in approval among Americans for same-sex marriages and gender transition.
The Internet showed the condition in which Chernihiv cathedrals were transferred to the Church
Archival photographs testify that the ancient churches of Chernigov were transferred to believers after decades of neglect and destruction.
In the Alexandrian Diocese, "Nikiforov Readings" on the History of the Region Were Held
Local historians and clergy of the UOC have systematized information about anniversary churches and the lives of local saints.
After the USA, the Jerusalem Patriarch will visit Greece and Russia
The Primate of the Jerusalem Church announced official trips to Athens and Moscow.
American missionary saya he is amazed by the faith of the Serbian people
A priest from the United States visited St. Sava Cathedral to venerate the Belt of the Mother of God and found in the Serbian capital an example of true piety.
MinCulture allows OCU to "restore" prayer services in Lavra's Near Caves
Attendance at OCU prayer services in the Near Caves is permitted only by prior registration and under the supervision of OCU representatives.