Priest at Lavra: Condemned for praying? Main thing not to be condemned by God
Priest of the UOC, Father Georgiy. Photo: TG channel "Fortress Lavra"
February 10, 2025, after the prayer of the faithful of the UOC for their shrine at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, priest Father Georgiy told the worshipers not to be disturbed by those who condemn them or even laugh at them.
He reminded them of the words of the Apostle Paul, spoken to his disciple Timothy, that those who want to live righteously in Christ Jesus will always be persecuted. At the same time, "evil people and deceivers, who deceive themselves, will deceive others, and they will succeed in this."
"There is nothing surprising in this. Some pray, while others laugh at those who pray. Some love, while others breathe hatred. Some live by the truth, while others deceive. And so on. What should we do? We need to listen to the Apostle Paul. Do you want to live righteously? Yes, you will be persecuted, people will not understand you, but not God. God will understand everyone, will strengthen everyone, will help everyone. Only give us, Lord, the strength to hold on to You and not stray to the right or to the left. God will help everyone," said Father Georgiy.
As previously reported, according to Father Georgiy, the faithful pray to God to preserve their humanity.
Read also
Common Easter date with Orthodox still a long way off – Vatican rep
The Vatican’s ambassador to Ukraine said that dialogue on synchronizing the calendar is ongoing, but no tangible progress has been made.
Persecuted UOC сommunity сelebrates its patronal feast in Mali Dorohostai
In the Rivne Eparchy, the persecuted community of the Church of St. Spyridon of Trimythous marked its patronal feast.
Catholic monastery in Germany to open escape room for visitors
The Norbertines of Roggenburg have devised a way to attract visitors as the abbey prepares to celebrate its 900th anniversary.
Cherkasy court extends preventive measure against Metropolitan Theodosiy
The judge left unchanged the preventive measure imposed on the UOC hierarch in four criminal cases.
UOC parish in Lisbon celebrates 5th anniversary of its founding
The community of the Church of St. Spyridon of Trimythous in Lisbon marked its patronal feast and the fifth anniversary of its founding.
Pope says true Christians can have no enemies
Pope Leo XIV reflects on martyrdom as a “birth into heaven” and on Christmas joy a the choice of "justice even at great cost,” making celebration possible even amid suffering.