Sviatohirsk Lavra celebrates Christmas with traditional carol festival

This year, the festival coincided with the 30th anniversary of Metropolitan Arseny’s tenure as abbot. Photo: Sviatohirsk Lavra

On January 10, 2025, the annual Christmas Carol Festival took place in the Dormition Cathedral of the Sviatohirsk Lavra. This year’s event was especially significant, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of Metropolitan Arseniy’s tenure as the abbot of Sviatohirsk Lavra, according to the monastery's press service.

Despite Metropolitan Arseniy being under arrest, the Lavra noted that his presence was felt throughout the festival. The choirs and participants dedicated their greetings and prayers to him.

Opening the festival, the monastery’s treasurer, Archimandrite Theophan, emphasized the importance of preserving the tradition of caroling and expressed deep gratitude to Metropolitan Arseniy for his invaluable contribution to the revival and development of the Lavra.

The festival featured carols performed by various choirs, including the brotherhood choir of Sviatohirsk Lavra, choirs from women’s monasteries and hermitages, and children’s ensembles.

According to the press service, the performances by refugee children, who have found shelter at the monastery, brought particular warmth and heartfelt emotion to the festival.

Concluding the festival, Archimandrite Theophan wished for the swift release of the abbot and his return to his native monastery.

Addressing Metropolitan Arseniy, who was described as “invisibly present” at the festival, Father Theophan said:

"Your Eminence, dear Metropolitan Arseniy, on behalf of all of us – brothers, sisters, pilgrims – all your spiritual children, please accept our congratulations on the Nativity of Christ, the New Year, Theophany, and your jubilee – 30 years of leadership as abbot. We are all your children; we all pray for you, worry about you, and wish you strength, both spiritual and physical, as you bear your confessional labor. We implore the Lord and the Queen of Heaven to show mercy upon us and return you to the walls of your native Lavra, which you have rebuilt through your efforts and prayers. May the Lord strengthen you in your labors and console you with His special divine comfort during these holy days."

As previously reported by the UOJ, a Ukrainian Orthodox community in Portugal has gained online popularity with its recording of a Christmas carol.

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