Metropolitan Theodosiy сcmments on “examination” of relics in the Lavra
The hierarch warned of consequences for those committing blasphemy.
In a comment to Cherkasy Pilgrim, Metropolitan Theodosiy expressed his position on the recent events at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, calling on the faithful to remain calm and trust in the intercession of the Venerable Fathers.
According to Metropolitan Theodosiy, the Venerable Fathers of the Kyiv Caves are capable of defending both their shrine and the faithful.
“Today, the Venerable Fathers of the Kyiv Caves don’t need our help or protection. They will protect us themselves – very soon. Their power and their right to this land are not understood by those who are now interfering with their relics. Just like their spiritual predecessors didn’t understand this in 1922 and 1941. Let them meddle,” he said.
He recalled that several years ago, when large-scale persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church was just beginning, and monks of the Lavra still laughed skeptically when asked if they believed the state could divide the Upper Lavra between the Church and the OCU, he heard a warning from a secular but thoughtful person:
“Just let them not touch the Caves and the relics of the Venerable Fathers. That will end tragically. Tragically – for the blasphemers.
We have already suffered enough from their lawlessness and impunity. But we cannot do anything about it. The Venerable Fathers, unlike us, can,” the hierarch emphasized.
Metropolitan Theodosiy also quoted Metropolitan Arseniy, abbot of the Sviatohirsk Lavra, who shortly before being taken into custody, responded to the tears and complaints of the faithful about current events by saying:
“The final word will belong to the Venerable Fathers of the Kyiv Caves.”
“Now the persecutors are forcing the Venerable Fathers to speak that word sooner. Let us trust in them with hope. And let the lawless hurry with their deeds...” Metropolitan Theodosiy concluded.
As previously reported by the UOJ, a Greek theologian appealed to the Primates of the Churches over the sacrilege in the Lavra.
