Metropolitan Onuphry leads Liturgy at Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra's skete

Metropolitan Onuphry at the Lavra skete. Photo: the UOC press service

On May 17, 2026, the 6th Sunday after Pascha, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the skete of the Holy Dormition Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra on the occasion of the patronal feast of the Icon of the Mother of God of Kyiv Caves with Saints Anthony and Theodosius, reports the UOC Information and Education Department.

The Primate was concelebrated by the UOC Chancellor, Metropolitan Antony of Boryspil and Brovary, Metropolitan Clement of Nizhyn and Priluki, Metropolitan Roman of Konotop and Hlukhiv, Archbishop Lavr of Irpin, Archbishop Mark of Borodianka, Bishop Panteleimon of Baturyn, as well as the clergy of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra and guests in holy orders.

During the augmented litany, the Primate offered special petitions for peace on the Ukrainian land and deliverance from the enemy, for the blessing of people of good will who help those in need, and also for those who have lost their homes. In the prayer following the litany, Metropolitan Onuphry asked the Lord to grant wisdom to the authorities, strengthen the soldiers with courage, free the captives, heal the sick, and provide shelter to the homeless.

During the memorial litany, prayers were offered for the victims of political repressions. On the third Sunday of May, Ukraine observes the Day of Remembrance for Victims of Political Repressions, including thousands of clergy and believers of the Orthodox Church who were shot and tortured in camps and prisons during the years of the Soviet totalitarian regime. In conclusion, His Beatitude Onuphry performed a diaconal ordination: George Roh was ordained as a deacon to further serve at the Holy Cross Church in Pyrohiv.

As the UOJ reported, the Primate of the UOC celebrated a festive liturgy at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. The skete of the Kiev Caves Lavra is one of the few monastic dependencies where the UOC continues to celebrate divine services despite ongoing pressure on the Church from the state.

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