SBU denies permission for Lavra abbot to bid farewell to deceased monk

Archimandrite Roman (Podlubniak). Photo: UOC

On June 2, 2023, the abbot of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra applied to the SBU with a request to allow him to attend the funeral service of the deceased monk of the monastery, Archimandrite Roman (Podlubniak) but was refused, said Archpriest Nikita Chekman, the abbot's lawyer, on his Telegram channel.

"Metropolitan Pavel maintained friendly relations with the deceased Archimandrite Roman, who worked for many years at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra," the lawyer wrote. “Vladyka was very keen to pay a prayerful tribute to Father Roman and personally take part in his funeral service. The defence asked the investigator to do this, but unfortunately, the request was denied.”

The lawyer recalled that Metropolitan Pavel has never violated the obligations imposed on him by the determination of the investigating judge for the entire period of the round-the-clock house arrest.

"Given the use of electronic monitoring, we believe that the refusal to grant permission to be present at the funeral service and burial will remain on the conscience of those who took such a decision, because there is law, rules, and order, and there are human relationships on which this world is built," said Fr Nikita.

Funeral services for Archimandrite Roman will be held on June 3 at the Church of St. Agapit of the Caves after a liturgy, which begins at 7:00.

As earlier reported, Archimandrite Roman, a precentor and a KDAiS teacher, passed away on June 1.

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