On Great Thursday Primate of UOC raises prayers for prisoners of war

On April 13, on Holy and Great Thursday, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry of Kiev and All Ukraine led the Divine Liturgy at the Refectory Church of St. Anthony and Theodosius of the Holy Dormition of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, reports the Information and Education Department of the UOC.

After reading the Holy Gospel, the Primate addressed the flock with the word of the sermon. His Beatitude reminded believers of the evangelical events that are remembered on Holy Thursday, explained the necessity of humility in spiritual life and the importance of the Sacrament of the Eucharist: "We receive the Body of Christ and drink His Blood, because it is the pledge, the leaven for eternity".

The archpastor especially prayed for the Ukrainian military, who are in captivity.

During the Liturgy, a special prayer was offered for peace in Ukraine.

On Holy Thursday, the Church recalls several important events from the life of our Savior: the Last Supper, in which the Lord established the Sacrament of the Eucharist and washed the disciples' feet, giving us an example of humility and love for others, the prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane and the treacherous kiss of Judas by which he gave the Divine Teacher to suffering and death.

Read also

In Ukraine, Trump’s 'spiritual advisor' reassured of religious freedom

Pastor Mark Burns stated that Ukraine, despite the war, is a "beacon of religious freedom."

Lavra brethren congratulate Metropolitan Pavel on 31 years as abbot

The monks of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra have expressed hope that they will soon be able to pray again with their abbot.

Amsterdam: Intrusion into Lavra Caves – a return to Soviet-era persecution

International lawyer Robert Amsterdam has condemned the actions of Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture regarding the inspection of holy relics in the Caves of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, calling it a violation of religious freedom.

Over 20 EU states condemn Hungary for ban on LGBT propaganda among children

“This restricts the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression,” diplomats state in a joint declaration.

His Beatitude officiates consecration of Bishop of Rakhiv

At the Church of St. Agapitus in the Lavra, the Primate of the UOC ordained a vicar for the Khust Eparchy.

Met Victor: It is painful to see Lavra's relics turned into test subjects

According to the bishop, there is particular concern over how members of the scientific commission will handle the holy relics.