Greek hierarch urges Local Churches to condemn lawlessness against Lavra

Metropolitan Serafim. Photo: newsbreak.gr

On 28 March 2023, Metropolitan Seraphim of Kythira and Antikythera (Greek Orthodox Church) called on the autocephalous Orthodox Churches to condemn the "anti-spiritual blasphemy" against the Kyiv Caves Lavra, reports the Greek resource Dogma.

Metropolitan Seraphim recalled that Greece has recently mourned the thousands of dead after shocking and devastating earthquakes in Syria and Turkey. "There was no less pain and no sorrow for the victims of the Tempi tragedy," he said.

"And along with these sad events comes another very sad event of spiritual nature and significance - the announced cruel and merciless persecution of two hundred monks and novices of the renowned Kiev Lavra by order of the Ukrainian state authorities," the bishop wrote.

He described how 17 years ago, during his first service as a member of the Holy Synod of the GOC (2005-2006), he "had the blessing from the Holy Synod chaired by late Archbishop Christodoulos to represent the Church of Greece, together with the current Bishop of Christianoupolis, Prokopios, in the festive events honouring the then Metropolitan Vladimir of Kiev and All Ukraine on the occasion of his 40th anniversary of priesthood and archpriesthood."

"At that time, I was given the exceptional opportunity and blessing to worship the shrines and holy relics of the Kiev Lavra. It was a very moving and unforgettable pilgrimage in a sacred and spiritual atmosphere. The holy relics, clothed in archpriestly or priestly vestments, exuded the fragrance of holiness. Unforgettable moments of sacred reverence and spiritual upliftment," Metropolitan Seraphim shared his impressions of his visit to the Lavra.

He wrote that "these holy places of the famous Kyiv Lavra, which has been alive, flourishing and spiritually shining for 10 centuries, have recently been revived and restored by two hundred monks."

Metropolitan Seraphim expressed "fervent desire and hope that both our Holy Synod of the Church of Greece and the other local autocephalous Orthodox Churches will take a corresponding position and strongly condemn this anti-spiritual l blasphemy against holy and consecrated souls."

As reported, the Jerusalem Church condemned the persecution of the UOC.

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