Lavra priest: A Christian is called to fight against sin all his life

Prayer standing near the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. May 23, 2025. Photo: a video screenshot from t.me/save_Lavra

Near the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, believers continue to gather for prayer standing. On May 23, 2025, after the prayer, a clergyman of the UOC addressed the parishioners and pilgrims with words of spiritual encouragement. A video of his words was published on the Telegram channel "Fortress Lavra".

Father Georgiy recalled that the Church continues to celebrate the Resurrection of Christ. The spiritual leader noted that these days are overshadowed by the ongoing war and the loss of lives, as temples are being seized by raiders.

The clergyman urged to remember that two thousand years ago, "the Lord rose from the dead, thereby conquering the curse, sin, death, and granting man freedom from all of this."

According to him, "the name 'Christian' signifies that this person is called to fight throughout their earthly life – not against someone, but primarily against sin, against their inner 'self' and against their passions."

"That’s why we will ask the Lord for help and make every effort... to overcome all the devil’s schemes, to be freed from our internal, mental, and spiritual afflictions. In other words, to purify our own self. And only then can we hope that just as the Lord rose from the dead, He will also raise us from the dead for eternal life. Christ is Risen!” concluded the UOC cleric.

As reported by the UOJ, earlier, a priest of the UOC said at the prayer standing: we ask the fathers of the Caves for help to pray again in the monastery.

Read also

U.S. grow embryos without brains or limbs for organ harvesting

CRISPR editing technology disables the development of the brain, central nervous system, and limbs. The company plans to grow such “bodies” in pigs for organ transplantation into humans.

PACE raises concern over combating anti-Semitism and Islamophobia

In Resolution No. 2647 on freedom of religion in Europe, the Assembly linked the rise in antisemitic incidents to the Hamas attack of October 7, 2023, and the conflict in the Gaza Strip.

PACE rejects sanctions against Patriarch Kirill and ROC hierarchy

An amendment submitted by the Ukrainian delegation led by Oleksiy Honcharenko to a resolution on religious freedom in Europe failed to win enough support – with 36 votes in favor, 51 against, and 9 abstentions.

French TV compares Christian cross to Nazi symbolism

During a French television broadcast, crosses bearing the inscription “Hail Christ the King,” installed near Nice, were compared to neo-Nazi slogans.

Beer-pizza hockey game broadcast held in Canadian Catholic cathedral

At St. John the Evangelist Cathedral in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, a screening of a Montreal Canadiens game featured immersive projections, organ music, the national anthem, and alcohol sales.

Transgender U.S. congressmember says she is “ordained” in Protestant church

The first transgender member of the U.S. Congress has said that, following her “ordination,” she will be able to officiate weddings and perform other rites.