OCU: Concerts from Ministry of Culture in Lavra culturally enrich people

Concert in the Refectory Church of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. Photo: mcip.gov.ua

Avrahamiy Lotysh, the acting abbot of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra from the OCU, stated in an interview with "Telegraf" that MinCult's concerts in the monastery's Refectory Church do not destroy human worldview but, on the contrary, culturally enrich individuals. The representative of the OCU also believes that spirituality and culture need to be combined in the Lavra.

Lotysh pointed out that no one would allow rock concerts in the Lavra. However, he did not explain how a rock concert, featuring a song about killing "Moskals" (derogatory term for Russians) and the destruction of Moscow, which "Jesus blesses", took place in the Refectory Church.

"Spiritual and creative concerts are held in the Refectory Church, where music by well-known composers is performed. [...] Of course, the church should primarily be used for prayer, but if spiritual concerts are held in it, with the performance of spiritual works, it does not contradict what happens within the Lavra walls," said Lotysh.

As reported by the UOJ, the "Kyiv-Pechesk Lavra" Reserve explained the rock concert in the Refectory Church of Lavra, stating that people eat there, not pray.

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