Ministry of Culture: Part of the Lavra brethren has joined OCU
Brethren of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra at prayer standing. Photo: UOJ
Maxym Ostapenko, acting director of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Reserve, announced on the air of Channel 5 about the transfer of the Lavra brethren to the OCU.
“I think you know that some of the monks have moved to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine,” Ostapenko said, “these are official steps.”
According to the official, in the Lavra "there are monks who are not just declaring but really trying to take steps towards civil society, those fighters who need rehabilitation, towards the preservation of Ukrainian shrines."
Ostapenko said that “the commission is now working, and there is an understanding that it is precisely those shrines that are preserved in the Lavra that they need to be preserved for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. And the clergy are ready to join this.”
“There were certain encroachments on relics. And although it has not been fully confirmed, everyone knows that there were attempts to export the exhibits, which must be prevented precisely through state control,” Ostapenko said.
The official said that "all these items should be used specifically for spiritual rites, for Orthodox practices that are performed in caves and churches located within the monastery."
Earlier, the UOJ wrote that the Reserve discussed with the military the transfer of the buildings of the Lower Lavra to the AFU.
Read also
Donald Trump: 'I Don't Think There's Anything Going to Get Me in Heaven'
During his flight to Israel, the U.S. President admitted he is uncertain about his salvation, though he earlier said that ending the war in Ukraine would “count" in heaven.
Largest Anglican Province Breaks with C. of E. Over Female Archbishop
Abp. Henry Ndukuba, Primate of Nigeria, called Mullally’s elevation “the final confirmation of moral decay” in the Church of England, accusing it of abandoning biblical teachings. “We can no longer walk with a body that blesses sin,” he said,
Orthodox Church Wins Major Lawsuit Defending Seal of Confessional
The Orthodox Church in America, alongside other Orthodox jurisdictions and clergy, challenged the law earlier this year. The law targeted clergy, compelling them to break the Seal of Confession under various circumstances, risking fines or imprisonment.
Michigan Parish Holds Talk on Life and Teaching of Elder Ephraim
Protopresbyter John Chakos, who knew Elder Ephraim and served as a translator for him, gave the presentation at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church.
Abp. Alexei Calls for Prayer Following Flooding in Alaska
Orthodox faithful urged to intercede for missing persons, displaced families, and hard-hit parishes as storms ravage coastal communities.
Matushka Killed in Russian Strike on UOC Church
The inside of the Dormition Cathedral of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church was consumed by flames. It is yet to be determined if it can be restored.