Metropolitan Pavel (Lebed): I have never been against Ukraine

The hierarch of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Pavlo (Lebed), vicar of the Holy Assumption Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, has spoken about his own experience of being in a pre-trial detention center and related events. The bishop noted that all criminal cases in which he was accused were completely fabricated. The Metropolitan noted that he had never spoken against Ukraine.

“I feel the presence of God with me because in experiences and trials the Lord is closest. When I was in the detention center, they tried to scare me that there would be some events….. And I am grateful to God that he showed me how people live, what untrue conclusions can be, as well as mine, because neither charge concerns me, ” Metropolitan Pavel said.

The bishop added that he does not recognize the accusations of treason against the motherland, because he has never been against Ukraine.

“I have never been against Ukraine. I was and will be with my people until the end. Therefore, I am grateful to God for such trials and for the fact that he never leaves me,” – said the hierarch.

We will remind, on April 5, 2025, an online conversation took place between Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem and Metropolitan Pavel (Lebed), Vicar of the Holy Assumption Kiev-Pechersk Lavra. The First Hierarch of the Jerusalem Orthodox Church conveyed words of support to Metropolitan Pavel and the monks of the Kiev-Pechersk Monastery.