UOC Primate leads celebrations of Baptism of Rus' at Lavra

His Beatitude Onuphry at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. Photo: lavra.ua

On the feast day of the Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Grand Prince Volodymyr and the Day of the Baptism of Rus', His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry of Kyiv and All Ukraine led the festal divine services at the St. Agapitus Church of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. As reported by the monastery's website, on the eve of the feast the Primate celebrated an All-Night Vigil, and on the day of the celebration itself – the Divine Liturgy.

His Beatitude was co-served by the UOC Chancellor, Metropolitan Antony of Boryspil and Brovary, the Chairman of the UOC Information and Educational Department, Metropolitan Clement of Nizhyn and Pryluky, hierarchs of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, the brotherhood of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, and invited clergy.

After the reading of the Gospel, Metropolitan Onuphry recalled the history of the Baptism of Kyivan Rus' by the Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Prince Volodymyr. The Primate noted that the people called the prince "Volodymyr the Red Sun" for the spiritual beauty of his soul, which was especially revealed after receiving holy Baptism and turning to Christ.

At the conclusion of the service, a prayer was offered to the Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Prince Volodymyr.

As the UOJ previously reported, His Beatitude led the celebrations on the feast day of Anthony of the Caves.

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