Filaret: After Maidan volunteer battalions suggest seizing Lavra for UOC-KP
Representatives of right radical organizations at the walls of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. Photo: seraphim.com.ua
The head of the Kyiv Patriarchate Filaret Denisenko said in an interview with the “Apostrophe” edition that after Euromaidan he was approached by representatives of volunteer battalions with a proposal to seize the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.
Answering a question about petitions, demanding to give the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra to the OCU, Filaret said that he is against the forcible seizure of the monastery.
Moreover, according to him, after Maidan "volunteer battalions approached him to seize the Lavra, evict everyone from there and hand it over to the Kyiv Patriarchate".
"I said then that they mustn’t do that and drag people by force into this or that church. Even Christ does not drag anyone into the Kingdom of God by force. The doors are open; if you want, go in; if you don’t want – stay outside the Kingdom of God. So is with the Church: if you want to be in the Kyiv Patriarchate, we will gladly accept you; but if you do not want to, we do not need you like that," said the head of the UOC CP.
Earlier the UOJ wrote that according to Filaret, the Galicians did not want to go to war in the Donbass, but after his call – they did.
Read also
Orthodox Bioethics Conference Makes Key Statements on Euthanasia
The 3rd International Bioethics Conference of the Ecumenical Patriarchate recently concluded in Crete.
ROCOR Parish in Wales Fundraising to Secure a Church
The parish is hoping to establish a permanent Orthodox church in Cardiff — a home of prayer, worship, and renewal for Wales, where the ancient faith once flourished.
UOC Priest: St. Gabriel of Georgia Healed Ukrainian Soldier
A serviceman - who had been unable to speak for nearly a year due to a concussion - began to speak again after an appearance of the Georgian saint.
2025 St. Herman Youth Conference to Be Held in NY This December
Annual gathering to bring together Orthodox youth from across North America for fellowship, worship, and spiritual growth.
HCHC Community Holds All-Night Vigil Honoring Philoptochos Society and Its Patron Saints
Special prayers offered for members of the National Board and all Philoptochos chapters in gratitude for their decades of support.
Georgian Church Resumes Construction After Miracle
The foundation of a church was blessed at Georgia's Oncology Center — construction resumes on the Church of Ss. Panteleimon the Healer and John the Baptist.