UOC hierarch on sacrilege at Lavra: I pity the afterlife of the blasphemers

Representatives of the Ministry of Culture cutting locks on the doors of the Far Caves of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. Photo: UOJ

Metropolitan Luke of Zaporizhzhia and Melitopol, commenting on the situation surrounding the holy relics of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra saints, stated that those involved in the acts of sacrilege will share the fate of their predecessors – the Bolsheviks. The hierarch shared his thoughts on his Telegram channel.

“All those who could and wanted to have already voiced their indignation over the sacrilegious acts being committed in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra by neo–Red Army communists. I have little to add to what our people have already said, so I will be brief,” the metropolitan wrote.

He drew a parallel with the Bolshevik era, when relics were also desecrated, and emphasized that the fate of those committing such acts will be sorrowful.

“It will be the same this time. God does not change, no matter how much people try to offend Him. The heavenly bliss in which the Kyiv-Pechersk ascetics dwell will remain the same. Only the afterlife of the museum worker, the veterinarian, the anatomist, the biologist, and other blasphemers participating in this godless spectacle will change. And I sincerely pity them,” the UOC hierarch said.

During these days of Great Lent, he believes it is better not to respond with hatred or curses, but rather to sigh with compassion and say: “Lord, forgive these unfortunate people, for they truly do not know what they are doing.”

As previously reported by the UOJ, a UOC priest recently urged believers to come pray at the Lavra so that the Venerable Fathers would not abandon us.

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