Metropolitan Anthony: The Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Will Overcome Its Current Trials

Metropolitan Anthony, Administrator of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, addressed the faithful in honor of the 975th anniversary of the founding of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, emphasizing that the monastery will retain its spiritual strength despite current pressure from the authorities. The hierarch called on the flock to remain steadfast in spirit and faithful to the Church during the ongoing persecution.

In his message at , the metropolitan drew historical parallels, noting that over its centuries-long history, the monastery has already weathered the invasion of Khan Batu and the era of state atheism under Soviet rule. In the Metropolitan’s view, those who restored the holy site from ruins in the late 1980s cannot be considered “outsiders,” and attempts to deprive the monks of the opportunity to pray within the Lavra’s walls constitute a historical injustice.

The hierarch expressed concern about the monastery’s current condition, noting that spiritual life at the Lavra has faded away since the expulsion of the monastic community. ““What was once a flourishing spiritual garden is, before our very eyes, turning into a cold, soulless museum,” Metropolitan Anthony emphasized. In closing his remarks, he urged the faithful not to give in to despair, reminding them that earthly rulers come and go, but the spiritual foundation of the Church remains unshakable.

As a reminder, earlier, Maksym Ostapenko, director of the “Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra” National Reserve, presented a development concept for the shrine to the diplomatic corps, stating that in the future it should become the “Ukrainian Vatican.”