Metropolitan Anthony: Apart from Archimandrite Avraamiy, none of the Lavra brethren transferred to the OCU

Metropolitan Anthony (Pakanich) said that on March 29, 2023, it became known from the media that the former monk and sacristan of the Kiev Caves Lavra, Archimandrite Avraamiy (Lotysh), had transferred to the so-called Orthodox Church of Ukraine. He was appointed the head of this structure as the abbot of the monastery, which was recently registered as the «Kiev-Pechersk Lavra of the OCU.»

“The decision taken by Father Avraamiy is the sole decision. This decision goes against the basic monastic principles that Father Avraamiy professed during the tonsure,” the hierarch said.

“Unfortunately, false information began to spread in the media about the mass transfer of the brethren of the monastery to the OCU. I want to officially declare that such information is not true. At the moment, except for Father Avraamiy, no one has moved to the OCU,” Metropolitan Anthony emphasized.