Synaxis of Venerable Fathers prayerfully commemorated at Sviatohirsk Lavra

Divine service at the Sviatohirsk Lavra dedicated to the memory of 17 venerable fathers who labored in the Holy Mountains. Photo: press service of the monastery

On September 24, 2025, the Dormition Sviatohirsk Lavra held festivities in honor of the Synaxis of the venerable and God-bearing fathers who labored in the Holy Mountains, the monastery’s press service reported.

The feast was established by the Holy Synod of the UOC in 2008, when most of the Sviatohirsk venerables were canonized. This year marked the 17th celebration of the event.

On the eve, September 23, the brethren adorned the reliquaries of eleven venerable fathers whose relics rest in the Dormition Cathedral, and placed before the faithful the Icon of the Mother of God “Hegumena,” the icon of the Synaxis of the Venerables, and a reliquary containing their holy remains. Afterwards, the Ninth Hour, a small vespers, and a festive all-night vigil were served.

On the feast day itself, services began early in the morning and culminated with the Divine Liturgy and a water-blessing prayer service to the Sviatohirsk fathers.

The faithful offered prayers for the abbot of the Lavra, Metropolitan Arseniy, whose court hearing was taking place on the same day.

At the conclusion of the services, a Many Years was intoned for Vladyka Arseniy and for all those who prayed together.

As the UOJ previously reported, the court rejected a motion to disqualify the judge in the case of Metropolitan Arseniy.

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