Lavra archimandrite: Our own ‘piety’ has brought this trial upon the relics

Morning in the Lavra. Photo: TG channel “Lavra Now”

A clergyman of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, speaking on condition of anonymity, commented to the UOJ on the situation with the relics of the Venerable Fathers of the Caves.

“All of this is the result of our so-called ‘piety.’ If only we prayed as they do in the Pochaiv Lavra, truly struggled with our passions instead of excusing them, then no museum staff would have dared to lay a hand on the relics. But since our prayer is weak, our fasting nonexistent, and a whole bouquet of passions flourishes, the Lord has once again allowed His saints’ relics to be subjected to desecration,” the archimandrite said.

According to him, if the entire brotherhood had imposed upon themselves strict fasting at least three times a week and intensified their prayer, the Lavra would already be free.

“And it would not be museum staff, but pious pilgrims who could freely venerate the relics. But because of our unrighteousness, as it was foretold, judgment has begun with the house of God, with the inheritance of the Mother of God,” he concluded.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that a microbiological laboratory had conducted “tests” on the relics in the Lavra.

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