TRC detains participant in prayer vigil near Lavra in Kyiv

On the evening of May 14 in the capital, police officers guarding the territory of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra detained and took away in an unknown direction Brother Nazariy, an active defender of the shrine and helper of the monastery. The incident occurred between 9:00 and 9:30 p.m. during the evening procession around the Lavra.

Brother Nazariy lived in the monastery, helped the monks and pilgrims, and took part in the daily Liturgies. According to those close to him, the police knew him well by sight, as he had been present at the prayer vigil from the very first day.

“He was not wanted by the authorities, he defended the Lavra from the very beginning and up to this day,” friends of the detained man said. They are now trying to help him through official channels.

As previously reported by the UOJ, the TRC in Chernivtsi attempted to abduct a UOC bishop. This is one of many episodes involving violations of the procedure for dealing with UOC clergy and laypeople. While believers are trying to defend their right to pray at major holy sites, law enforcement agencies are replacing the protection of public order with persecution.

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