Ostapenko: Memorial service for Mazepa at Lavra is part of war with Russia
Monument to Mazepa. Photo: Focus
The Director of the National Reserve "Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra", Maksym Ostapenko, commented on the "memorial service" conducted by the OCU in the Church of All Saints for Hetman Ivan Mazepa, who was anathematized by the Russian Orthodox Church in 1708, according to the reserve's press service.
"This memorial service is not only a tribute to an outstanding statesman, philanthropist, and diplomat who was ahead of his time but also a component of our semantic war with Russia. We must win this duel, and for that, we need to revive, establish, and develop the traditions of the Ukrainian Lavra. In these times and through such events, historical truth and spiritual justice are being restored," Ostapenko emphasized.
As the UOJ reported, on June 11, 2023, a memorial service for Mazepa was held for the first time in the All Saints Church of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.
Read also
Serbian media: Ukrainian authorities fail to "cancel" Christmas on January 7
Serbian "Politika" reported that the festive services of the UOC at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra and throughout the country gathered thousands of believers despite state pressure.
U.S. military chaplains greet Orthodox believers on Christmas on January 7
American military chaplains have published a festive Christmas message to Orthodox Christians.
DESS: Almost 1,400 parishes "transferred" from UOC to OCU over past 3 years
The State Service for Ethnopolitics reported how many religious communities were taken from the UOC in 2022–2025.
Young UOC parishioners of Buhryn sing Christmas carols at closed church
Young parishioners of the Ascension Church of the Rivne Eparchy glorified the Nativity of Christ at the gate of their locked church.
Metropolitan Victor prays with persecuted UOC parish in Starokostiantyniv
The hierarch of the Khmelnytskyi Eparchy led the festal service on the day of the Synaxis of the Most Holy Theotokos.
Met Theodosiy serves Liturgy on Christmas for first time since his illness
The ruling hierarch of the Cherkasy Eparchy celebrated his first service after illness together with the clergy and faithful.