Open letter of the Superior of Svyatogorsk Holy Dormition Lavra Metropolitan of Svyatogorsk Arseny

Dear brothers and sisters!

In recent years, a real information war has been unfolding against our Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The fruits of this war are clearly visible today - it's rousing hatred and unfounded falsehood in regard to the only canonical Church in Ukraine. As a result, many of those who have succumbed to the information propaganda against the Church feel entitled to literally physically fight against it. Cases of not only seizures, but also desecrations, arsons and plunders of Orthodox churches are becoming increasingly commonplace. And this is done not by the gentiles and pagans but those who call themselves "Christians." They do it under the guise of pseudo-religious slogans and political expediency. All this painfully reminds of the words of our Lord Jesus Christ: "But a time is coming when whoever kills you will think that he is offering service to God" (Jn. 16: 2). Apparently, such a time has come.

From Kiev, the capital of our State and the baptismal font of the Kievan Rus, the news is coming that there are people who claim to deliver the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra into the hands of the schismatics, who are not recognized and supported by either of the local Orthodox Churches in the world. We have no doubt that those who suggested this pursue only one goal - to make havoc among our people and further divide it. They understand full well that their "petition" and "sign-in" are null and void. In the same way, they understand that it will be impossible to take Laura by force. And not just because the people of God will stand for their sanctuary, but also the Mother of God and Pechersk saints will never put the Lavra to sacriledge. Then why do they do it? Why do they inflame passions?

There may be several explanations for this regrettable misdeed.

Firstly, they want to destabilize society through the opening of a second front on religious grounds. Maintaining a high level of aggression among the common people, they hope to sow the implacable hostility among them, which will lead to nation-wide indignation and conflicts and will not contribute to the prosperity and strengthening of the unity of Ukraine. It will also serve as one of the points of undermining its credibility in the international community.

Secondly, initiating the transfer of Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, they are trying to shift attention from the more serious things that, unfortunately, occur in the life of our country. It is no secret that many of our fellow citizens live below the poverty line.

Therefore, all such statements about seizures of monasteries, churches and church property, should be immediately stopped by state authority. Otherwise, rhetorics will be followed by practical application, which will inevitably lead to irreparable consequences. There is no doubt that the petition on the transfer of Kiev-Pechersk Lavra to dissenters is a crime against the Ukrainian people, who for 1000 years of history has preserved Holy Orthodoxy and their shrines.

Orthodox people are not afraid of persecution because Christ told His disciples, "In the world you will be sorrowful, in the world you will suffer persecution" (Jn. 16, 33). The blood of martyrs is the seed of the Church. The Orthodox Church has increased on persecutions. But at the same time, we want to warn anyone who provokes and supports these persecutions - think about the consequences. Remember what happened to those who unfolded a war against the Church. Where are they now? Where is the mighty Roman Empire, where is the Soviet Union? Where are all those who burnt icons, blew up churches and killed faith? They are not here! They vanished like smoke, and disappeared from the face of the earth, leaving behind a shameful memory in the minds of many generations to come.

Do not disgrace yourself. Do the works of God, the works of the light, not the works of the dark and the devil! Love Ukraine with active love as His Beatitude Metropolitan Vladimir, who was buried in the walls of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, loved it.

And may all the faithful of our Church recall the words of Christ: "I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." (Matt. 16, 18), "And behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen! "(Matt. 28, 20).

+ Arseny
Metropolitan of Svyatogorsk,
Vicar of the Donetsk Diocese
Superior of the Holy Dormition Monastery