Faithful at Lavra urged to remain loyal to Christ despite trials
A UOC priest at a prayer vigil near the Lavra. Photo: screenshot t.me/save_Lavra
During a prayer vigil outside the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, a priest of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Fr. Heorhiy, addressed the faithful with a sermon, urging them not to give in to fear but to grow stronger in faith and trust in God.
The priest recalled the Gospel account of the Apostles being caught in a storm on the Sea of Galilee and of the Apostle Peter walking on the water at the Savior’s command.
“We too find ourselves in difficult circumstances today. We are surrounded by war, anxiety, and fear. But the Lord says, ‘Do not be afraid.’ As long as a person keeps his eyes fixed on Christ, the Lord sustains him,” he said.
He also recalled Christ’s words about the power of faith and prayer, stressing that the Lord expects spiritual fruit from each person, as well as love for God.
The preacher devoted particular attention to the feast of St. Mary Magdalene, Equal-to-the-Apostles, which the Church celebrates on August 4. He said that the saint became an example of ardent love for Christ and was the first to proclaim to the Apostles the joyful news of His Resurrection.
“Mary Magdalene sought only the Lord, paying no heed to dangers or obstacles. In the same way, we must seek Christ, strive toward Him with all our hearts, and remain faithful to Him,” the archpastor said.
Concluding his sermon, he called on Orthodox Christians to live in the joy of Pascha and to remember the central proclamation of the Christian faith.
“The great watchword of our lives, through which we overcome every trial, is: ‘Christ is risen! Trampling down death by death!’” the priest emphasized.
As the UOJ reported, prayer vigils outside the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra are held regularly. Prayer near the Church of St. Sergius of Radonezh beside the monastery can be heard almost every evening. The faithful are invited to join in prayer for the preservation of the holy sites, for the monastery’s brethren, and for peace in Ukraine.
Read also
Novynskyi: Monk’s murder stems from hatred fueled against UOC
UOC Protodeacon Vadym Novynskyi said the murder of Monk Varsonofiy at the Sviatohirsk Lavra was a manifestation of hatred, lawlessness and persecution of the Church.
Serbian Church in US denies reports of involvement in honoring Zelensky
The Eastern American Diocese of the Serbian Church commented on reports alleging that Bishop Irinej would take part in presenting an award to the Ukrainian president.
OCU cleric calls UOC an “enemy” and urges unity with Greek Catholics
An OCU cleric said the presence of the UOC in Ukraine amounts to the “presence of the enemy” and called for unification with Greek Catholics.
DESS finds Zaporizhzhia Eparchy affiliated with ROC
Ukraine’s State Service for Ethnopolitics identified three signs of ties between the administration of the UOC’s Zaporizhzhia Eparchy and the ROC through the Kyiv Metropolia.
UOC choir director and catechist school in Dnipro opens enrollment
The theological school at the St. Tikhvin Convent in Dnipro has opened enrollment in three specialties.
Serbian president visits Transfiguration Monastery in Kozji Dol
Aleksandar Vučić visited the Orthodox monastery in Kozji Dol and discussed the situation of Serbs in the south of the country.