Lavra abbot: I am sure the caves will open soon
The Near Caves of the Lavra. Photo: the website of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra
The abbot of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, Metropolitan Pavel, stated in an interview with the monastery's website his confidence that the caves of the monastery will soon be opened to the faithful.
“I asked to open the caves for people, and I am sure this will happen soon. I hope that the entire Lavra will be fully opened as well,” the hierarch noted.
Metropolitan Pavel emphasized the importance of access for believers to the Lavra's holy sites: “Only prayer can help those in power and the state, so we should not close churches, but open them, so that God's people can offer joint prayers.”
He stressed that “only the enemies of Ukraine can destroy and take away churches, handing them over to unknown parties.”
Addressing the believers who currently cannot access the relics of the saints, the abbot advised: “If you cannot get to the caves, take an icon of the saints, read the akathist, canons, and troparia to them. Our churches are also open, where the Holy Pechersk Fathers are especially venerated.”
In conclusion, Metropolitan Pavel called for prayers for the enlightenment of the “persecutors of the Church” and for believers to unite “around the Risen Christ” in anticipation of the upcoming Easter holiday.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that a theologian from Greece appealed to the heads of the Churches due to the sacrilege in the Lavra.
Read also
Number of Orthodox сhurches grows by third over 15 years in France – report
The report records an increase in the number of clergy by almost 40% – a sharp contrast with declining religious practice among Catholics and Protestants in France.
Shevchuk claims Putin wants him dead, Australian media report
In an article by an Australian newspaper, the head of the UGCC spoke of threats against him and linked them to the policies of Russia’s leadership.
Patriarch of Antioch expresses support for UOC
The Primate of the Antiochian Church emphasized that the canonical Church in Ukraine is the UOC.
Court finds no evidence of Ukrainophobia in Metropolitan of Cherkasy
The Sosnivsky District Court of Cherkasy dismissed the prosecutor's arguments about Metropolitan Theodosiy's "Ukrainophobic sentiments", calling them unfounded.
Dumenko: We celebrate Christmas to gain strength for fighting the enemy
The head of the OCU believes that celebrating Christmas is necessary for confronting Russia.
UOC Chancellor explains to Serbian media why union with OCU is impossible
Metropolitan Anthony said the OCU arose outside the canonical order from schismatic structures – what took place was legalization, not the healing of a schism.