Post by Deleted on Aug 7, 2023 20:07:12 GMT
Metropolitan Pavel of Chernobyl and Vyshgorod, Vicar of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, has been released from prison.
The believers of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church together raised the 33 million hryvnia bail money, approximately $900,000 USD. Churches all over Ukraine had collection points in which believers could contribute to this cause.
Metropolitan Pavel blessed the faithful through tears when being driven out of prison, saying:
"I thank those people who posted bail, may the Lord send you good health and eternal salvation. Most importantly, brothers and sisters, keep the faith. Remain faithful to God, the Church and our earthly Homeland"
Separately, the Vicar addressed the monks of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra:
"One thing I ask, be united in faith, love for the Church and the country. We help our soldiers today with prayers. And to those who have already entered eternity, may the Lord grant forgiveness of sins. Because there is no greater love than to lay down your soul for your neighbours. They laid down their souls for us. And to our children, our soldiers, may the Lord send peace and prosperity".
The release was however bittersweet. The Metropolitan of Tulchyn, Jonathan, who is 74 years old, has been sentenced to five years in prison today on similar charges to those of Metropolitan Pavel.
The believers of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church together raised the 33 million hryvnia bail money, approximately $900,000 USD. Churches all over Ukraine had collection points in which believers could contribute to this cause.
Metropolitan Pavel blessed the faithful through tears when being driven out of prison, saying:
"I thank those people who posted bail, may the Lord send you good health and eternal salvation. Most importantly, brothers and sisters, keep the faith. Remain faithful to God, the Church and our earthly Homeland"
Separately, the Vicar addressed the monks of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra:
"One thing I ask, be united in faith, love for the Church and the country. We help our soldiers today with prayers. And to those who have already entered eternity, may the Lord grant forgiveness of sins. Because there is no greater love than to lay down your soul for your neighbours. They laid down their souls for us. And to our children, our soldiers, may the Lord send peace and prosperity".
The release was however bittersweet. The Metropolitan of Tulchyn, Jonathan, who is 74 years old, has been sentenced to five years in prison today on similar charges to those of Metropolitan Pavel.