Pochaev Lavra abbot responds to Dumenko's words about “non-Ukrainian” monks

Metropolitan Vladimir (Moroz) of Pochaev. Photo: pochaev.org.ua

The abbot of the Holy Dormition Pochaev Lavra, Metropolitan Vladimir (Moroz), in a commentary for the UOJ, called the words of the head of the OCU, Sergei (Epiphany) Dumenko, that the monks in the Lavra "were mostly brought from other countries".

He noted that all the monks in the Pochaev Lavra are citizens of Ukraine and come from our country.

“An outright lie. It can be seen that they (representatives of the OCU – Ed.) tend to tell a lie,” said the bishop. “Whoever wants to really be sure can find out at the passport office that all the monks in the Pochaev Lavra are Ukrainians, they all have Ukrainian passports.”

Metropolitan Vladimir said that now there are more than 150 monks in the monastery and the Ukrainian special services have repeatedly had the opportunity to inquire about the inhabitants of the Lavra - their citizenship and origin. And Dumenko's statement is most likely aimed at the audience that wants to believe in the “non-Ukrainianness” of the UOC and the monks of the monasteries of the canonical Church.

As reported, Dumenko said that there are "very few" monks-Ukrainians in the Pochaev Lavra.

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.