Soldier about Lavra: While I defend Ukraine, they want to take my home
AFU soldier. Photo: video screenshot
UOC lawyer, Archpriest Nikita Chekman, shared a video message from a Ukrainian Armed Forces serviceman on his Telegram channel. In the video, the soldier addresses the judges handling the case of the monks' eviction from the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, asking to join the court proceedings.
In his message, he stated: "I, a soldier of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, who has been defending Ukraine since 2014, am simply being evicted from the Holy Dormition Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, where I am a novice. The state I am defending wants to take away my home." He emphasized that most of the monks in the monastery are elderly, have been in the monastery since their youth, and have nowhere else to go.
He also posed a question to the judges: "What am I fighting for? I have injuries, I have state awards… My comrades and I are faithful to the UOC, which the Verkhovna Rada has 'banned.' I am simply at a loss for words."
In his appeal, he requested a postponement of the court hearing and added: "I sincerely ask to be included in the process as a third party. I have something to say. I have something to explain. There are no separatists in our Lavra, there are no pro-Russian agents or people affiliated with the Russian Orthodox Church."
As previously reported by the UOJ, on October 3, the Northern Commercial Court is hearing the case regarding the eviction of the monks from the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. The monastery's brethren is asking for prayers.
Read also
Greek authorities to close illegal mosques in Athens
A large-scale inspection of religious sites has begun in Athens, during which authorities intend to close around 60 mosques operating without permits
Polish Church discusses prospects for Orthodox religious classes in schools
In Warsaw, representatives of the Polish Orthodox Church and the Ministry of National Education examined the future of Orthodox religious education in schools.
Bulgaria to allocate €1.5 million for road to Zograf Monastery on Mount Athos
The Bulgarian government will finance repairs to the road leading to Zograf Monastery on Mount Athos, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Kyiv–Pechersk Lavra brotherhood honors memory of Hieromartyr Volodymyr
Services were held at the Kyiv Lavra on the day of remembrance of St Volodymyr, Metropolitan of Kyiv and Halych.
Abp Elpidophoros: Ukraine will shape the future of inter-Orthodox relations
The head of the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s Archdiocese of America said that the outcome of the war in Ukraine will determine church relations among the Orthodox Churches.
Case opened against organizer of UOC believers’ cross procession in Bukovyna
Police drew up an administrative report against a believer of the Chernivtsi Eparchy who organized a prayer procession to the skete of Blessed Xenia of St Petersburg in the village of Molnytsia.