Pochaiv Lavra Calls for Fasting and Prayer Ahead of September 10 Hearing

POCHAEV, UKRAINE — In an appeal published on the Pochaiv Leaflet Telegram channel, the Spiritual Council of the Pochaiv Lavra has called on the monastery’s brotherhood, pilgrims, and all believers to intensify their prayers and observe a fast on September 7 and 8 ahead of an upcoming court hearing concerning the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC).

The hearing, scheduled for September 10, concerns the termination of the activities of the UOC’s Kyiv Metropolia. According to the Lavra, the proceedings could have significant consequences for the future of the holy site. The monastery urged the faithful to unite in prayer and ask God for mercy and protection.

The Spiritual Council specifically called on believers to devote September 7 and 8 to fasting and intensified prayer, asking God to preserve both the Church and the Pochaiv holy site. The appeal emphasized that the spiritual efforts of the brotherhood and faithful should be offered collectively as they prepare for the court proceedings.

“We call on everyone – the brotherhood, pilgrims and faithful children of the Church – to offer sincere prayer to the Lord, asking for His mercy and protection,” the Spiritual Council said. “May our common spiritual labor become an offering, so that the Lord may strengthen and preserve His holy Church and our sacred shrine."

Previously, the UOJ reported that a Ukrainian official condemned UOC pilgrims marching to Pochaiv.