A case opened against Lavra’s abbot as he calls Dumenko self-ordained
Metropolitan Pavel, Abbot of the Holy Dormition Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. Photo: 24tv.ua
On January 17, 2023, the Prosecutor General's Office of Ukraine (GPU – hereinafter) began criminal proceedings against the vicar of the Holy Dormition Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, Metropolitan Pavel (Lebed).
The case against the bishop of the UOC was opened under Art. 161, part 2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (“Violation of the equality of citizens based on their race, nationality or religious preferences”), MP Yaroslav Yurchyshyn said on Telegram.
According to the politician, it seemed to him that the statements of Metropolitan Pavel during the Christmas sermon about the head of the UOC Epifaniy (Dumenko) were sowing discord among believers.
Yurchyshyn confirmed that it was on the basis of his appeal to the GPU that the case against the Lavra’s abbot had been initiated.
During a sermon in the church in honor of St. Agapit of Pechersk, Metropolitan Pavel called the head of the OCU Epifaniy (Dumenko) self-sanctified, while the head of the UOC-KP Filaret (Denisenko) a schismatic.
However, the MP Yurchyshyn did not mention that during the same homily, Metropolitan Pavel called on the parishioners of the UOC to silence and prayer, and also not to succumb to any provocations of the representatives of the OCU.
As reported by the UOJ, Metropolitan Pavel, the abbot of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, said that Ukraine is being destroyed not only from the outside, but also from the inside.
Read also
OCU chaplain: A soldier should not feel guilty for killing enemies
According to a cleric of the OCU, the word “killing” should not even be used in this context.
AFU servicewoman punished by “being sent to the frontline” for defending UOC
An OCU representative explained how commanders punish UOC believers who defend their Church.
UOC church seized after OCU's and UGCC's provocation at soldier's funeral
Supporters of the UGCC brought the body of a soldier into the church, pressuring a UOC priest to conduct the funeral according to the Greek Catholic rite in an Orthodox church.
UOC hierarch calls on the faithful to pray for the return of seized shrine
Metropolitan Theodosiy urged the faithful to communal and personal prayer to Archangel Michael.
Russian Orthodox Church Primate: Christ did not condemn death penalty
The Patriarch added that, although the Church does not welcome the death penalty, it has never condemned it if this punishment is carried out in accordance with the law.
Metropolitan Jonathan appeals sentence to Supreme Court
The Supreme Court has requested criminal case files from the Vinnytsia City Court for cassation review.