"The UOC let in laity there": Lotysh explains why OCU received Lavra church
Sealed entrance to the "Life-Giving Spring" church at Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. Photo: t.me/kozakTv1
Avrahamiy Lotysh, the OCU "Prior" of Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, explained in an interview with We are Ukraine the transfer of the "Life-Giving Spring" church under the jurisdiction of Epifaniy Dumenko.
According to him, the church had been used by the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), but access for laity was restricted due to legal proceedings. However, representatives of the UOC still allowed laypeople to enter the church.
"This became the impetus to transfer this church to the military and designate it as a garrison church," Abraham Lotysh noted.
As the UOJ reported, on the evening of August 13, photos of the sealed "Life-Giving Spring" church appeared online. Shortly thereafter, a letter from the Director of the National Reserve, Maksym Ostapenko, was published, proposing that the monks hand over the keys to the public reserve.
Read also
Abp. Mark Visits Holy Apostles Parish for Lenten Weekend
Abp. Mark’s visit blended worship, teaching, and encouragement during the Lenten journey.
Abp. Alexei Delivers Lenten Homily in Anchorage
A Lenten homily in Alaska called the faithful back to patient, step-by-step transformation in Christ.
Albania Census Shows Muslims No Longer Majority
For the first time in centuries, Albania’s Muslim majority has slipped below half amid shifting religious trends.
Small Vermont Gathering Grows into Official Mission
A once-small home gathering in Vermont has grown into an official mission under St. Olga of Alaska’s protection.
Lenten Retreat Honors Legacy of Fr. Seraphim Rose
A packed Lenten retreat in San Francisco revisited the life and lasting spiritual influence of Fr. Seraphim Rose.
Metr. Tikhon Reflects on the Annunciation and the New Creation
Metr. Tikhon celebrated the Annunciation as the moment the Theotokos reshaped the world through her “let it be.”