Faithful at Lavra urged to remain loyal to Christ despite trials
During a prayer vigil, a priest recalled the Gospel examples of the Apostle Peter and St. Mary Magdalene, Equal-to-the-Apostles, speaking about the power of faith.
During a prayer vigil outside the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, a priest of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church 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.
