Bishop of the Jerusalem Church expresses support for the Primate of UOC

Exarch of the Holy Sepulcher in Cyprus, Metropolitan Timotheos of Vostroi

Exarch of the Holy Sepulcher in Cyprus, Metropolitan Timotheos of Vostroi expressed confidence that the faithful would unite around His Beatitude Metropolitan Onufry. He said this on July 23, at a briefing on the occasion of the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the revival of monasticism at the Holy Dormition Kiev-Pechersk Lavra.

The bishop stressed that the date of the 30th anniversary of the revival of the monastery "is very significant because right after the opening of the Lavra, Patriarch Diodoros I of Jerusalem celebrated the first patriarchal Liturgy in the Far Caves. This is a historical fact that we appreciate. He proves fraternal relations between the two Churches".

According to Metropolitan Timotheos of Vostroi, the UOC has "good relations with all the Local Orthodox Churches, and its Primate, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onufry, is valued and respected by Primates of all Local Churches".

"His Beatitude Metropolitan Onufry is respected for his spirituality, much loved on Athos and Jerusalem for his prayers, and I think that all will unite around him and pray that the Lord will bring peace and unity to the Church."

Vladyka explained that the Patriarchate of Jerusalem played an important role in the establishment of Orthodoxy in Ukraine during the XVII century: "It is natural that the Lavra famous for its ascetics could not but have a close relationship with the Church where there were great hermits. This Lavra is similar to the Lavra of St. Sava the Sanctified, which is in the Holy Land. And the saints of the Jerusalem Church influenced the life and deed of the saint Kiev-Pechersk hermits."

"The Kiev-Pechersk Lavra inspires not only Ukrainian believers but Orthodox Christians around the world because it is rich in holy relics and deeds of its monks," said the hierarch.

On July 20-23, celebrations in honour of the 1035th anniversary of the birth of St. Anthony of the Caves and the 30th anniversary of the revival of monasticism are held at the Holy Dormition Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.

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