Even after the termination of the lease agreement, the monks of the UOC-MP cannot move out of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra. They will not leave the territory of the Lavra after March 29, promised Metropolitan Pavel (Lebed), who is the abbot of the monastery of the UOC-MP
We were given two weeks – until March 29 – to move out of the monastery. We won’t be able to do this for whatever reason. Because after 35 years, the brethren did everything to streamline the life of the monastery and the pilgrims. We simply don’t have a place to take everything (kitchens, laundry) to, and we don’t intend to leave anything,” Pavel said in his appeal.
Lebed also addressed the believers and declared “their obligation to protect the shrine”, calling the Orthodox Church of Ukraine a “political party”.
Many accuse us of surrendering the monastery without a fight. Come, have a look, it is your duty to protect your shrine with us,” Lebed said.
He also appeals to the President of Ukraine, who did not receive the delegation of the Synod of the UOC-MP.
We are all against a political party created by the state for someone else’s agreements – the OCU (Orthodox Church of Ukraine). We won’t move, I think the majority. Therefore, the enemy should not work so hard, outraging the minds and hearts of a person, added a representative of the UOC of the Moscow Patriarchate.
In a joint statement by the leaders of this church – Onufry, Pasha Mercedes, Luka Zaporizhzhya and other sanctioned priests – it is said that the authorities are trying to “comprehensively intimidate, persuade them to some kind of” compromise “and, as a result, simply destroy.”
In its address, the Synod also very often recalls the war, the common goal of preserving Ukraine, the need for brotherhood and unity.
It is noteworthy that all the Moscow priests have begun to worry about this now, when they are being forced out of the Lavra.
Source: Racurs
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.