OCU "bishop": We hoped Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra monks would join the OCU
The head of the Vyshhorod ‘eparchy’ of the OCU. Photo: Kremenchutska Gazeta
"Archbishop" Agapit of Vyshhorod (OCU) said that they expected the monks of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra to join Dumenko’s structure, but this did not happen, and they still live in the monastery, reports Kremenchutska Gazeta.
‘Today, there are monks from the Orthodox Church of Ukraine in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, and we have a new abbot – Bishop Abrahamy, a former monk of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.... Of course, we hoped that a certain number of monks of the Moscow Patriarchate would join the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, but today they are still standing their ground, and there is a small part that continues to live on the territory of the Pechersk Lavra. Of course, we do not want to forcibly throw anyone out, expel them or anything like that. Perhaps, they are expecting this, but we understand that this will not lead to anything good," he said.
At the same time, "Archbishop" Agapit added that he hopes for a resolution of the issue on a "normal, human, moral plane".
As earlier reported, "Metropolitan" Fedir of Poltava and Kremenchuk of the OCU stated that his religious structure lacks staff.
Read also
ROCOR Priest Reflects on Trip to Capitol Hill
Archpriest Victor Boldewskul participated in the Society of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco's Day of Action to raise awareness about the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
Hundreds of Chinese Christians Arrested in Pre-Christmas Crackdown
Hundreds of Chinese Christians face spending Christmas in detention after authorities launched a sweeping pre-holiday crackdown on churches under Beijing’s campaign to control religious life.
Ukraine Adviser: UOC Not Banned, but Offered a 'Choice' of Jurisdictions
A Ukrainian presidential adviser said the UOC is not banned but pressured to choose between joining the OCU, submitting to Constantinople, or remaining unregistered, while dismissing international concerns as propaganda.
Indiana Reports 98% Drop in Abortions Under Stricter Law
Indiana’s latest health report shows a 98% drop in reported abortions under stricter laws, though dozens still occurred under legal exceptions and concerns persist about unreported pill abortions.
Armenian Apostolic Church Pushes Back on Political Encroachment
The Armenian Apostolic Church plans to appeal to international bodies to resist government interference and defend its clergy and sacred relics.
Attempted Takeover at Armenian Etchmiadzin Cathedral Thwarted by Faithful
Supporters of Armenian PM Pashinyan attempted to storm Etchmiadzin Cathedral amid calls for the Catholicos’s resignation but were blocked by parishioners and security.