UOC Primate officiates Transfiguration of the Lord Feast at Kyiv Lavra
Festive service on the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord at Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. Photo: news.church.ua
On August 19, 2021, the Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry of Kyiv and All Ukraine led the solemn Divine Liturgy at the Church of St. Agapitus of the Caves in the Holy Dormition Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. This was reported by the UOC's Information and Education Department.
Concelebrating with the Primate were Metropolitan Meletiy, Head of the UOC's Department for External Church Relations; Metropolitan Anthony, Chancellor of the UOC; Metropolitan Joasaph of Vasylkiv; Metropolitan Philaret of Lviv and Galicia; Bishop Lavr of Irpin; Bishop Mark of Borodianka; Bishop Athanasiy of Kamin-Kashyrsky, along with the clergy of the monastery and guest clergy.
After the Gospel reading, Metropolitan Onuphry addressed the congregation with a pastoral message, reminding them of the Gospel event of the Transfiguration of the Lord and its significance for salvation.
During the Liturgy, prayers were offered for peace in Ukraine, for deliverance from the enemy, for God’s mercy upon those in despair and those who have lost their homes, and for the blessing of those who help those in need. The Primate asked God for mercy for the Ukrainian people, to grant wisdom to the authorities, to strengthen the courage of the soldiers, to free the captives, to heal the sick, and to shelter those deprived of their homes.
In conclusion, Metropolitan Onuphry wished all those present: “May our faith, hope, and love for God help us spiritually transform and reach that spiritual level where a person is worthy to see the Divine glory with enlightened eyes!”
After the service, the Primate blessed the grapes and other fruits brought by the faithful and sprinkled the congregation with holy water.
As reported by the UOJ, the Church celebrates the Transfiguration of the Lord on August 19. On this day, believers remember the Gospel event when on Mount Tabor, the apostles John, Peter, and James witnessed Christ in all His divine, eternal glory.
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.