Lavra: The stronger the external pressure, the more united the brethren are

The threat hanging over the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra has not led to the division of the brethren but has only strengthened their unity. This was shared by Archimandrite Ephraim in an interview with "Pershy Kozatsky."

"With one heart and one spirit, we are a united brotherhood, focused on the same thorny issue," said the monk. "We have common prayers and gatherings. The stronger the external pressure, the more love within us unites. This is very good. Sharp corners are smoothed out, and strong brotherly love emerges. If there were any misunderstandings before, they are no longer here. Brothers come to each other's aid and support one another."

Archimandrite Ephraim emphasized that "the greater the pressure from above, the more grace the Lord bestows, strengthening us to stand firm."

Father Ephraim stated that under no circumstances would he leave the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. "Absolutely not. I know that our Church is the true Church, and there can be no talk of departing from it. It is out of the question," reassured the monk.

When asked why he remains faithful to Metropolitan Onuphry, Archimandrite Ephraim replied, "Because he stands in truth. He is the Head of our Church. I serve with him; I know him. We communicate not only on a visible level but also spiritually, in the Holy Spirit. I concelebrate with His Beatitude, stand in the altar. This cannot be explained in words; it must be understood through the Holy Spirit."

Father Ephraim stressed the importance for everyone to reflect on the meaning of life, the existence of eternity, and how we will enter into it. "That's why we need the Church, not a false church (of which there are many now), but the true Orthodox Church to which we belong," emphasized the Lavra’s resident.

He called on all Orthodox Christians to participate in prayerful support of this holy place. "The Lavra is our home. But it is also the heritage of the entire country and the entire Orthodox world. Therefore, if it is dear to someone's heart, they should take part, stand in prayer, venerate the Akathist to the Mother of God, so that She may intercede with our Lord Jesus Christ and the Venerable Pechersk Saints. Come to the venerable saints, visit the Lavra, pray, attend divine services, confess, partake of the Holy Communion, and revere the holy relics," said the archimandrite.

As reported by the UOJ, Metropolitan Pavel, the abbot of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, thanked the monks for their loyalty to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and urged them to continue to remain steadfast in the Church, regardless of any circumstances.