Lavra denies reports of a monk joining the OCU
In 2015, Igumen Nikodim (Pryshchepa) was banned from priesthood. Photo: lavra.ua
The press service of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra issued a statement regarding reports about the acceptance of a former cleric of the monastery into the OCU.
"Recently, a message has circulated on social media about the acceptance of Igumen Nikodim (Pryshchepa) into one of the dioceses of the OCU. It was emphasized that this individual was a member of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra's brethren," the statement said. "We would like to remind everyone that in recent years, none of the current monks of the Lavra has joined the OCU structures, except for Avraamy (Lotysh), who left the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in 2023."
According to the Lavra, the cleric mentioned in recent news reports had long been excluded from the Lavra's monastics after "expressing the intention to transfer independently to one of the dioceses of the Russian Orthodox Church."
"As per the decision of the UOC Holy Synod, in 2015, an order was issued banning Igumen Nikodim (Pryshchepa) from priesthood," the monastery confirmed.
As the UOJ reported, an important hearing regarding the Lower Lavra is slated for September 26.
Read also
Italian media: Ukrainian authorities persecute the country’s largest confession
The Italian outlet L’Identità reported on mass searches, the arrests of clergy, and the ban on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which it describes as the largest Church in Ukraine.
London mayor switches on festive Ramadan lights
In London, the Muslim mayor inaugurated Ramadan illuminations: a central street was decorated with a “Happy Ramadan” sign and Islamic-style ornaments.
DESS: Ramadan is a time of special closeness to the Almighty
DESS congratulated Ukraine’s Muslims on the beginning of Ramadan.
Jehovah’s witness pastor sentenced in Lviv region for refusing TRC service
A court in Lviv region sentenced a Jehovah’s Witness pastor to five years in prison for unauthorized absence from his unit and for refusing to serve as a TRC cook.
Orthodox Church in America raises $700,000 for Ukrainians in Poland
An OCA representative met with Metropolitan Sava and discussed humanitarian support for Ukrainian refugees in Poland.
Hollywood Catholic actors remind of the spiritual meaning of Great Lent
Mark Wahlberg i Jonathan Roumie recorded a video message calling for prayer at the beginning of Great Lent.