Believers defending the Lavra express support for Metropolitan Onuphry

Metropolitan Onuphry at the prayer vigil at the Lavra in 2023. Photo: Telegram channel

Believers who for more than two years have been holding a prayer vigil outside the walls of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra published an open message of support for His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry on the Save Lavra Telegram channel.

In the message, they express solidarity with the Primate of the UOC following Zelensky’s recent decision to revoke his citizenship. The authors call this decision “a flagrant manifestation not only of injustice but also of the earthly authorities’ inability to oppose Metropolitan Onuphry’s love.”

The message pays special attention to His Beatitude’s participation in the 2023 prayer vigils. The faithful recall how the Primate “came quietly, modestly, humbly to the vigils as one of us, not as a commander or the first figure.” “You cannot imagine how important your prayer, your quiet presence was,” the authors note.

The UOC believers declare their unwavering loyalty to their Primate: “Know that whatever happens, whatever threatens you, we are at your side too.” They emphasize that “no earthly ruler will be able to make us change our minds or alter our attitude toward you.” The message also contains a prayer that Metropolitan Onuphry will “continue his service on the Kyiv cathedra as the Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.”

“We are proud to stand with you,” the believers wrote.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that according to Vasyl Lomachenko, the authorities may take away His Beatitude’s passport but not his love and faith.

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