Drabynko: Our churches are empty – why do we need the Pochaiv Lavra?

Divine service in the Pochaiv Lavra. Photo: UOJ

OCU Metropolitan Alexander Drabynko spoke out against attempts to seize the Pochaiv Lavra from the UOC, pointing to problems within the OCU itself, according to Glavcom.

Speaking about the situation at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, Drabynko noted the stark contrast compared to the time when it was under the UOC. “Life used to be vibrant: nine Liturgies were served daily, there were pilgrims, candles were bought, prayer requests were taken. Now in the Lavra – silence, animation, five newly tonsured monks,” he said.

A similar situation, in Drabynko’s view, is seen in many other cities – “the churches stand empty.”

“And we still want to take the Pochaiv Lavra? Until the leadership of the OCU and the UOC-MP sit down at the negotiating table, this issue cannot be resolved,” the metropolitan declared.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that, according to Drabynko, in his Pereyaslav-Vyshneve Diocese there are churches where Metropolitan Onuphry, not Dumenko, is commemorated.

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