Priest at Lavra: Respond to all trials with prayer, not enmity

A UOC priest at the prayer vigil near the Lavra. Photo: screenshot t.me/save_Lavra

During a prayer vigil near the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, a priest addressed the faithful, urging them to respond to trials not with bitterness, but with good works, humility, and prayer. A video of the sermon was published by the Fortress Lavra Telegram channel.

Reflecting on the Gospel readings of the day, the priest recalled the Lord’s healing of the man with the withered hand and the faith of the Roman centurion. According to him, Christ showed that good must always be done and that one should not wait for a “convenient time” to do it. He paid particular attention to the example of the centurion, whom the Lord held up before Israel for his deep faith and humility.

“The main obstacle to faith is pride and self-conceit. When a person removes this barrier and turns to God in prayer, the Lord gives him His help,” the priest said.

Speaking about what is happening around the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, the preacher noted that believers are now going through difficult times.

“It may seem that this is a time when evil is all around us, when our Church is being targeted for destruction. But nothing happens without the will of God. Let us respond with goodness, prayer, and good deeds, not repaying evil for evil,” he stressed.

In conclusion, the priest called on the faithful to preserve humility, remain zealous in the spiritual life, and continue doing good, trusting in God’s help and in the intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos and all the saints.

As the UOJ reported, prayer vigils near the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra are held regularly. Prayer near the Church of St. Sergius of Radonezh, located beside the monastery, is heard almost every evening. The faithful invite to join in common prayer for the preservation of the holy sites, for the brethren of the monastery, and for peace in Ukraine.

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