Abbot of Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra thanks health workers for helping brethren

Metropolitan Paul (Lebed) of Vyshhorod and Chornobyl, Abbot of the Holy Dormition Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. Photo: screenshot of the video on the YouTube channel “Lavra. The Way of Salvation”

On April 18, 2020, the Abbot of the Holy Dormition Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, Metropolitan Paul (Lebed) of Vyshhorod and Chornobyl, thanked the Ukrainian doctors for their efforts to fight the coronavirus and denied rumors that he was supposedly in intensive care.

“Today we once again announce that the brrtheren fell really ill, but they were isolated. Some of them are staying in the Alexander Hospital, because we immediately called there for the doctors to do an X-ray and a full examination. We thank the doctors who helped us in this great tribulation for our country, for the holy monastery, for each person individually,” Metropolitan Paul addressed the doctors and the public in a video posted on the “Lavra. The way of Salvation”.

The hierarch denied rumors that he was allegedly in intensive care on life support.

“The Lord also attended me with His grace. I am in isolation and thank God for mercy on me <...>. There are people who spread the rumor that I am already in intensive care, on artificial respiration. As you see, by God's grace, I am healthy and alive,” said Vladyka Paul.

He also thanked the flock for prayers for the Lavra’s brethren.

Vladyka expressed gratitude to the believers, who were worried about the state of health of the Lavra’s monastics and invoked God's blessing on all.

He also noted that all quarantine requirements were observed and continue to be observed at the Kiev Pechersk Lavra.

“Fulfilling the blessing of the Primate of our Church, we are fulfilling all those orders and instructions given to us by the Ministry of Health, which is concerned about our lives. The monastery has been closed since March 18, services are held regularly. We broadcast online,” said the Abbot of Lavra.

We will recall that on April 18, Metropolitan Paul was discharged from the Alexander Hospital in Kiev and returned to the monastery.

Read also

Petition Warns Canada’s Hate Speech Law Could Criminalize Scripture

Thousands of Canadians have signed a petition urging the Liberal government to drop proposed hate-speech changes that critics warn could criminalize quoting the Bible and other religious texts.

JD Vance: Criticizing Israel Is Not Antisemitism

Vice President JD Vance said opposing Israeli policies is not the same as antisemitism, sparking debate over where criticism of Israel ends and hatred of Jews begins.

First Orthodox Prayer Book Published in Indonesian Language

The first Orthodox prayer book in Indonesian has been published and presented in Bekasi, providing local faithful and new converts with a vital resource for prayer and liturgical life.

OCA Joins Legal Challenge to Illinois Abortion Referral Law

Amicus brief argues mandate violates religious freedom and compels pro-life providers to contradict their faith.

EXCLUSIVE: Leaked Ukrainian Memo Says Religious Freedom is ‘Achilles Heel’

In an emergency strategy meeting held in response to the Society of St. John's Day of Action, D.C.-based Ukrainian lobbyists acknowledged the weight of the religious freedom issue as it pertains to the Ukrainian government’s public perception.

Historic $2.9 Million Bequest Strengthens Greek Orthodox Foundation

The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Foundation has received a record $2.9 million bequest from the late Andy Efthim, a devoted layman whose faith-filled generosity will support the Church’s mission for generations.