Why did OCU “Lavra abbot's” priest father never join OCU?

Fr. Mykhailo Lotysh. Photo: Avraamiy Lotysh’s Facebook page

On October 21, Archpriest Mykhailo Lotysh, the longtime rector of the UOC Church of Sts. Peter and Paul in the village of Bohodukhivka, Cherkasy region, reposed in the Lord at the age of 77. His funeral service was led by Archbishop Ioann of Zolotonosha, vicar of the Cherkasy Eparchy.

Fr. Mykhailo remained a devout priest, faithful to the Church until the end of his life. His son wrote about this as well, saying that Fr. Mykhailo had "devoted his life to serving God and people."

"He sowed the word of God in people's hearts, taught them the faith, shared spiritual wisdom, offered words of kindness and support, and sought to lead people to the Lord. We believe that the seeds of goodness he planted throughout his life will continue to grow in the souls of those he taught, helped, and loved," the priest's son wrote.

These are undoubtedly sincere and truthful words. There is just one problem: not long ago, the man who wrote them was saying something very different about his father and other UOC priests.

For example:

"We must understand that since 2018, when the Unification Council took place, all activities by representatives of the Moscow Patriarchate on Ukrainian territory have been uncanonical. No matter how loudly they shout or beat their chests insisting that they are not part of the Moscow Patriarchate, we can all see the truth. And every day we see further evidence of these collaborators who, unfortunately, cooperate with the aggressor These are people who do not care about their own nation at all. Yet they hide behind claims that they are helping our male and female defenders. I would even say that one hand helps while the other kills."

So, apparently, with one hand Fr. Mykhailo Lotysh was sowing seeds of goodness in Ukrainians' hearts, while with the other he was helping to kill them. He was a collaborator and a "Moscow priest," yet at the same time had "devoted his life to serving God and people."

You have probably guessed by now that the late priest's son is Avraamiy Lotysh. He was the only member of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra brotherhood to betray the Church and join the OCU. In return, he received the title of "bishop" and the position of "Lavra abbot." His tenure was short-lived, however: Dumenko dismissed him for being too independent and maintaining close ties with the authorities.

We know that Fr. Mykhailo Lotysh and his wife were deeply distressed by their son's fall. And they certainly never considered joining the OCU.

There will be no moral to this story – it is already obvious to everyone. Fr. Mykhailo undoubtedly prayed fervently that his unfortunate son would come to his senses. May his prayers bear fruit.

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