Abbot: We were handed a new letter demanding to leave the Lavra

Metropolitan Pavel of Vyshhorod. Photo: screenshot of the YouTube channel of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra

The brethren of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra received a new order to vacate Building No. 34. Metropolitan Pavel of Vyshhorod, the abbot of the Lavra, stated this in an appeal published by the press service of the monastery.

The hierarch noted that the monks reconstructed the building from the ruins and would not be evicted either from it or from any other building of the monastery.

“Who are the director of the museum and the minister of culture? Just ordinary people like us. They must respect the rule of law and have a little fear of God. There is no court ruling,” he said.

Metropolitan Pavel also commented on the rumors that appeared in social networks that President Zelenskyy had allegedly instructed to leave the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra and its monks in peace.

“Do not flatter yourself that someone has left us alone. Especially since I received another letter today for us to move out. What are we talking about? They just want to ‘lull’ us so that we don’t say anything, don’t take any action, just listen to new promises that are not being fulfilled at all,” he added.

The bishop recalled that a lot of monks live on the territory of the Lavra, who came to the monastery immediately after its opening in 1988: “Where can we place 200 people who came here 35 years ago? Who prayed, served, cleaned, restored, replenished the sacristy, looked after the relics."

As reported by the UOJ, the UOC is being expelled from the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.

Read also

Metropolitan Jonathan appeals sentence to Supreme Court

The Supreme Court has requested criminal case files from the Vinnytsia City Court for cassation review.

UOC priest being forcibly held by TCC in Ternopil Region

Archpriest Oleh Melnyk was beaten at the TRC.

Metropolitan Victor comments on ROC's actions regarding UOC dioceses

UOC hierarch spoke about whether the statement by 33 UOC bishops could influence the ROC Synod’s decision on the leadership of the Donetsk Eparchy.

UOC hierarch: The Donetsk Eparchy remains part of the Ukrainian Church

Metropolitan Victor stated that 33 bishops of the UOC signed a statement condemning the removal of UOC Metropolitan Ilarion from managing the Donetsk Eparchy.

Greek hierarch condemns harsh reactions of priests toward LGBT marriages

Metropolitan Philotheos stated that the Church must love everyone, including those it disagrees with.

OCU criticizes the painting of Lutsk cathedral with portraits of businessmen

A report has surfaced that the businessmen and their relatives depicted on the frescoes of the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Lutsk opposed having their portraits displayed on the cathedral walls.