The head of the Kyiv-Pechersk Monastery of the OCU accused the monks of the UOC of “abandoning the reverend fathers”

Avraam Lotish, an employee of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra National Reserve and, concurrently, the abbot of the Kyiv-Pechersk Monastery of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, accused the monks of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of “abandoning the reverend fathers.” According to Lotysh, this was manifested in the fact that the monks of the UOC did not participate in the religious events recently held in the caves of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra by the head of the OCU, Epiphanius Dumenko. Lotysh wrote about this on his Facebook account.

“Personally, it was sad and painful for me to see that our reverend fathers were abandoned by representatives of the Moscow Patriarchate when they simply became unnecessary to them… A few years later, after the brothers of the KPL of the UOC-MP remained the sole users of the Near and Far Caves, representatives of the state and brothers of the KPL as part of the OCU entered the caves… and the thought instantly flashed through my mind: what happened? For two years, the holy relics were simply abandoned… We were not allowed into the holy caves, and I am afraid to talk about what we saw… I can and have the right to say only one thing. It is sad and painful for the reverend fathers to see that these people have abandoned them, those who worshipped and called others for 30 years, but today have forgotten their duties,” – Lotysh wrote.

He also expressed hope that the Ministry of Culture would facilitate the regular holding of religious services by representatives of the OCU in the Near and Far Caves of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. Lotysh proposes to use the Caves as a place for spiritual healing for the families of deceased Ukrainian Armed Forces servicemen.

“I sincerely hope that the state, the ministry, and the reserve will finally take decisive and consistent steps to restore regular worship services in the caves. This is extremely important, because it is here that our newest heroes — defenders and protectors, as well as mothers who buried their sons who gave their lives defending our Ukraine — will be able to come with prayers to the reverend fathers. May this holy place become a spiritual support and source of strength for all who seek solace and support in these difficult times. We believe that prayer within these holy walls will help heal hearts, strengthen faith, and give hope for a better future for our state and people,” – concluded the hierarch of the OCU.